Indian Police Journal 2009 (Oct To Dec)

IPJ
Vol. LVI-No.4
OCTOBER-DECEMBER,
2009
The Indian Police Journal
The Indian Police Journal
ISSN 0537-2429
Emerging Challenges in Policing
Contents
1. Editorial 2
2. Abstracts & Keywords 4
3. Police Vision 2020: Policing for Global Fund of Happiness 8
S.P. Mathur, IPS
4. Internal (In) Security in India: Challenges and Responses 26
Akshat Mehta
5. WiFi Network - A Challenge to Security Agencies 36
Gurcharan Singh
6. Peacekeeping and UNCIVPOL 39
R.R. Bhatnagar
7. Envisioning CRPF Preparedness to Tackle Emerging 43
and Developing Internal Security Threats: A View Point
R. Jay Kumar
8. A study of Occupational Stress and Health in 47
Police Personnel
Dr. Dinesh Nagar
9. A New Approach for Analysis of Indian Counterfeit 55
Currency (Bank Notes) by using HPTLC Scanning and
Photo Imaging Technique
Seema Srivastava, Vindresh Mishra & Others
10. Behavioural Imperatives For Police Leadership 65
Rakesh Kumar Singh
11. NHRC And Custodial Crime 76
Dr. Radha Nath Tripathy
12. Detecting Cyber Crime : Social Perspectives 78
Dr. TejSingh Keshwal, Dr. (Smt.) Preetibala Mishra
13. Occupational Stress in BSF: Causes and Remedies 85
Manoj Chhabra, Dr. Bindu Chhabra*
Editorial Board
Sh. Prasun Mukherjee Chairperson
Sh. P. C. Sabarwal Member
Sh. Radhakrishnan Kini Member
Sh. S. P. Vaid Member
Sh. M. K. Chhabra Member
Shr. Sanjay Beniwal Member
Sh. Desh Raj Singh Member
Dr. B. V. Trivedi Member
Editor
Gopal K. N. Chowdhary
www.bprd.gov.in
Vol. LVI-No.4
OCTOBER-DECEMBER, 2009
2 The Indian Police Journal Vol. LVI-No. 4, October-December, 2009
Editorial
Like any other developing country, India also faces multifarious challenges more so due to its
geographical dimension, multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. India is also
home to almost all the religions of the world and in the present scenario when religious
fundamentalism is growing and complicating the problem of the governance and putting on test
agencies entrusted with the task of maintenance of law and order, challenges that its security
agencies face become daunting.
In the present time, apar t from the problem of normal law and order, the Indian state is confronted
with the situation wherein Jihadi terrorism is posing significant challenge to the security forces on
the western frontier and insurgency on the eastern frontier. In addition, menace of Maoist violence
is one of the biggest threats to the stability of the country as is perceived by many analysts of
internal security.
Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, is taking various initiatives to make Indian Police
responsive to these challenges and streamline its working by ushering in police reforms as per the
directives of the Hon'ble Supreme Cour t of India. We in the Bureau of Police Research &
Development are engaging intelligentsia, academician and thinking fraternity among police
personnel to work together as a think-tank, focus on various problems confronting Indian police
and suggest possible solutions.
In this issue of Indian Police Journal (Oct.-Dec., 2009), we have received ten articles from various
writers, both from the police as well as academicians with wide variety of topics which, I am sure
will be of professional interest to the readers of this journal.
While, we in the Bureau, are trying to equip the policemen to face these multiple challenges by
impar ting various training inputs; public expectation of a police person remain an enigma, aptly
summarized in the following quote:
"The citizen expects Police Officer to have the wisdom of Solomon, the courage of David, the
strength of Samson, the patience of Job, the leadership of Moses, the kindness of the good
The Indian Police Journal Vol. LVI-No. 4, October-December, 2009 3
Samaritan, the strategic training of Alexander, the faith of Daniel, the Diplomacy of Lincoln, the
tolerance of the Carpenter of Nazereth and finally, an intimate knowledge of every branch of the
natural, biological and social sciences. If he had all these he might be a Good Policeman"
We wish our esteemed readers a good luck and keenly await feedback from them regarding suggestions
to improve Indian Police Journal.
(S.P. Vaid)
IG/Director (Adm./Training)
BPR&D
Police Vision 2020
Policing for Global Fund of Happiness
S.P. Mathur, IPS
Key Words
Civil Society, Criminal Preventology, Police Science,
RTI Act, 2005, Vigil on Excellence, Global Fund of
Happiness
Abstract
Police, in its professionalized avtar, could reach a
new high, in the year 2020. It could then be
acceptable standards of service delivery, and could
face ever emerging challenges confidently, with
several new developments and favourable factors,
like: (i) Judiciary's helpful intervention leading to
Police Reforms. ii) Growing application of RTI Act,
2005, resulting into better transparency and
accountability (iii) Development of new science of
Criminal Preventology, and formulation of National
Policy on Crime Prevention, and (iv) Adoption of
latest techno - managerial tools for Organisational
excellence, etc. Taking a balanced view, a success-
bound action-plan for future-readiness is outlined.
Internal (In) Security in India: Challenges
and Responses
Akshat Mehta
Key Words
Internal (In) Security, North-East, Naxalism, Social
Fault Lines, Crisis of Governance, Good Governance,
Politico-Criminal Nexus, Corruption, Dilatory and
Ineffective Criminal Justice System, Politicization
and Non-Professional Approach of Police, Violation
of Human Rights, Crime, Cyber Crimes, White- Collar
Crimes, Economic Security, Policy Responses,
Psychological Initiatives, and Union Ministry of
Home Affairs.
Abstract
Internal security in India has been marred by feelings
of all pervasive deep 'Insecurity' amongst the
citizens. An overview of the internal security in India
reveals many challenges before the Nation, which
include terrorism across the country and in J&K and
North-East in particular; Naxalism with its growing
spatial spread and consolidation; communal
violence; casteism; dilatory and ineffective criminal
justice system; politicization of the police; politico-
criminal nexus; white collar crimes; crimes against
women to name a few. Crisis of governance marked
by growing corruption and poor Centre-State
coordination has further compounded the problems.
The policy responses to these challenges have failed
to instill sense of security amongst the citizens. In
the light of emerging challenges facing internal
security of India, this paper attempts to study the
gravity of task at hand, the responses being tried
and puts forth possible responses to dispel the
feeling of entrenched insecurity amongst Indian
citizens.
WiFi Network - A Challenge to Security
Agencies
Gurcharan Singh
Key Words
WiFi Network, Modems, Dialup, Wardialing, Caller
ID, Por t Scanning, Wireless Wardialing Tools,
Wireless Signals, Wireless Access Point, MAC
Filtering, Encryption of Data, ISPS, TRAI
Abstract
The term wireless can apply to many things, such
as cell phones, cordless phones, global positioning
systems (GPS), AM/FM radio, LAN wireless
systems, or WAN wireless systems, to name a few.
The wireless network is rapidly replacing wired
options, especially as new standards for wireless
broadband are being implemented by networking
vendors. Wireless networking brings great benefit
in areas like temporary installations, in buildings
where wiring is logistically difficult, or in locations
such as college campuses or airports where users
are not likely to do all of their computing in one fixed
Abstracts & Key Words
spot. Secure wireless networks have also become
common in healthcare applications, transportation,
supermarkets and warehousing. Wireless network
security must, however, be a primary concern when
rolling out a wireless network.
Peacekeeping and UNCIVPOL
R.R. Bhatnagar
Key Words
Peacekeeping, Security Council, Mandate,
Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Civil War,
Intrastate Conflict, UNPOL, UNCIVIPOL,
Multifunctional, Civilian Police
Abstract
India is the seventh largest contributor to UNPOL.
There is immense potential for increasing both
qualitatively and quantitatively the Indian contribution
to UNPOL as the Indian police has vast experience
of the type of problems that the police faces in such
missions. India has established rule of law
respecting human rights with democratic policing.
A major problem is the deployment lead time in
which after the Security Council Resolution, the police
officers are actually deployed to the field. Such
delayed deployment results into the situation
deteriorating substantially making the peacekeeping
task much more complex. Efforts are being made to
reduce this from nearly six to nine months to weeks.
The creation of the standing police capacity is a step
in the right direction. Creation of regional
competences will help, though not much progress
has been made in creating the 'national pools' for
call at short notice.
Envisioning CRPF Preparedness to
Tackle Emerging and Developing
Internal Security Threats: A View Point
R. Jay Kumar
Key Words
CRPF, Largest Paramilitary Force, Multidimensional
Role, Varied Roles, CI Operations, Continuous
Deployment and Engagement in Conflict Zones,
Emerging Patterns, Priority Areas, In-house Issues,
Preparedness, Parameters of Strategy, Stabilishing
Role, Integral to Peace and Prosperity.
Abstract
The CRPF today is the largest of all the Paramilitary
Forces and it is playing a pivotal role in upholding
the unity and integrity of the nation. Entrusted with
the responsibility of the maintenance of Internal
Security as its mandate, the Force is deployed
throughout the length and breadth of the country
with varied role and tasks. Its role in tackling
terrorism in J&K, countering insurgency in North
East, mounting into Naxal operations is a known
phenomenon. Besides the growing demand
dependence on CRPF to conduct elections, maintain
law and order, combat communal violence etc. is
increasing day by day. As on date, 85% of the Force
is deployed in hard areas. It is imperative that
preparedness of CRPF in forthcoming days is also
integral to India's progress in coming years. The
issues and matters will have a direct and indirect
bearing on the working of CRPF. The emerging
modes of conflict and contours of internal security
clearly indicate that greater challenges are in store
for CRPF in coming years. The article examines
some of the priority areas which CRPF need to
handle as par t of its preparatory strategy, to
effectively tackle emerging and developing trends
in the matters of internal security.
A study of Occupational Stress and
Health in Police Personnel
Dr. Dinesh Nagar
Key Words
Occupational Stress, Causes of Stress, Good and
Bad Features of Police Life Style, Coping and Health
Abstract
Police work is often regarded as an extremely
stressful occupation, and personnel involved in field
duties often repor t variety of psychological,
behavioral and health related problems. A brief
survey was conducted during the last day of the soft
skill training programme to explore the occupational
stress and health of the police personnel besides
examining the frequently used psychological and
behavioral strategies to deal with the adverse
consequences of stress. A total of sixty police
personnel belonging to three hierarchical levels of
police organization (CSP, Inspector and Constables)
responded to a brief survey carried out during one of
the soft skill training sessions. The major results of
this study revealed that high degree of occupational
stress was reported by 40% of Constables, 20%
Inspectors and 10% of CSPs. Furthermore, more
than 50% of police personnel reported experiencing
moderate levels of occupational stress. The common
health complains reported by Police personnel were
high blood pressure, diabetes, Sciatica, arthritis,
migraine, asthma and Gastric problems. On the open
ended items, the police personnel reported exercise,
walking, Yoga and happy family environment as
potent contributors of stress reduction. Various good
and bad features of the police life styles were
reported by the participants. Implications of the
study are discussed.
A New Approach for Analysis of Indian
Counterfeit Currency (Bank Notes) by
Using HPTLC Scanning and Photo
Imaging Technique
Seema Srivastava, Vindresh Mishra and Others
Key Words
Security Thread, Counterfeit, Scanning, Photo
Imaging, Absorbance, Tracks, Currency.
Abstract
The cases of counterfeiting of Indian currency have
shown considerable increase in recent past. It has
been observed that counterfeit currency of Rs. 500
and Rs. 1000 are generally produced by the
criminals with the help of computer and scanners.
When these are seized by the police, security features
are examined in the lab to ascer tain the
counterfeiting. However, authors have successfully
tried a new approach for the identification of
counterfeit currency of Rs. 500 by using HPTLC
scanning, photo Imaging Technique and WIN-CATS
software analysis. The absorbance pattern under
the multiple UV wavelength of the obverse surface
area of genuine Rs. 500 denomination has been taken
and compared with the surface absorbance of
counterfeit Rs. 500 note in 31 tracks scanning to the
length of the note. There is a clear differentiation in
the absorabance pattern at the intaglio ink printing
surface in both the currencies observed in between
track numbers 8 to 23. In the same fashion, the
security thread has been examined in the case of
both currencies under UV-254 nm wavelength. The
maximum length of the security thread in genuine
currency notes of Rs. 500 denomination of years
2005 to 2008 (n=10) was found to be 374nm, which
was not observed in the counterfeit Rs.500. The
photo imaging of both the currencies (genuine &
counterfeit) was done to study the illumination pattern
on both types of currencies.
Behavioural Imperatives for Police
Leadership
Rakesh Kumar Singh
Key Words
Behavioural Imperatives, Professional Challenges,
Mental Strain, Leadership Crisis, Behavrioural
Deviations, Functional Assessment, Traumatic
Impact, Police reforms, Emotional intelligence, Toxic
Atmosphere, Environmental Enrichment, Value
Confusion.
Abstract
Police leadership need to develop mindset for
progressive change in the police organization. The
job of managing Police personnel are a professional
challenge which should be taken into right
perspective. Efforts should be made to decouple the
policing from political influences as well as
criminalisation within the organizations itself.
The image of Police needs to be managed like a
"brand/product" so that merely the fear of
professional intervention of Police prevents many a
crimes and criminals to flourish. For economic
development of the propor tion which we have
dreamt for our nation, it is essential that Police ensure
peace and prevalence of law in the society. So that
the basic rights are guaranteed to the people for
fearless development of their economic and social
pursuits. Police is already doing a commendable
job inspite of resource constrains; the need is to
improve its behavioural attitude to fine tune its
professional image.
The Police leadership has the most critical role to
play to bring this institution in order. They need to
play creative, productive and benevolent role as well
as destructive (like Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh Trinity)
role to eradicate the evils which has become
synonym of police. The perception of constabulary
and thana (Police Station) level officials depends on
the empathy and understanding that their senior
officials will demonstrate for them and value they
add to professionalism of the institution.
NHRC and Custodial Crime
Dr. Radha Nath Tripathy
Key Words
NHRC, Custodial Death, Custodial Crime,
Investigatory, Recommendatory Body, Interim
Relief, Consitutional, Legal, Safeguards, Judicial
Activism, Custodial Violence.
Abstract
NHRC was instituted under The Protection of Human
Rights Act and came into operation on 28th
September, 1993 with a chairman and four members.
The functions of NHRC as spelled out in Section 12
of the Act, make it the nodal institution to promote
and protect human rights in India.
The soul objective of the Commission is to provide
justice to all whose human rights are violated
particularly by the state officials. For the fulfilment
of the above objectives, NHRC can intervene in any
case involving human rights violation and can also
visit any place of violation of human rights. In addition
to this, it has been given the responsibility of
conducting research in the field of human rights and
spreading human rights education, and awareness
which will create a culture of human rights in India.
For the purpose of providing justice to the victims of
human rights violation, the Commission has been
given the power of a civil court, to conduct inquiries
and investigation of such cases. The Commission
initiates inquiries of the cases of human rights
violation on the basis of a petition filed by a victim or
by any person on his/her behalf or on its own
initiative.
The important issue here is not to conduct inquiries
to establish the fact of violation of human rights, but
how to punish those who are found guilty in this
process. It is required to note that NHRC has no
power to punish or to take any action against any
authority. This is the point that was one of the factors
for which the very establishment of NHRC was
criticised. This Act makes the commission an
investigatory and recommendatory body rather than
an accusatory or judicial body.
Detecting Cyber Crime : Social
Perspectives
Dr. Tej Singh Keshwal, Dr. (Smt.) Preetibala Mishra
Key Words
New Generation Crime, Sociology, Criminology, IT
Act, Public Awareness, 4th Generation Warfare, ISRT,
HTC, Congnitive Change, Crimes.
Abstract
Cyber crimes have been investigated as new
generation crimes with varied forms and practices,
including crimes perperated by abusing electronic
devices (e-crimes), using higher versions of
technology high-tech crime (HTC) etc. Thus, the study
conducted was aimed at sociology of cyber crime
not the criminology of crime and the respondents do
not beget to be known criminal castes, community,
group, gang or criminalised parentage. They are the
white-collar specialized people who are termed here
as 'cyber punks' because of the fact that they have
plunged into cyber technology and who are required
to work with computer under the allurement of its
probable and possible use for immoral or illegal
selfish purposes, divergent from socially approved
norms and professional ethics.
Occupational Stress in BSF: Causes
and Remedies
Manoj Chhabra, Dr. Bindu Chhabra
Key Words
Occupational Stress, Border Security Force,
Psychological Strain, Communication, Leadership,
Feedback, Grievance Redress, Stress Management.
Abstract
Stress, leading to suicides and homicides, is one of
the major problems facing the BSF personnel. Tough
working conditions, lack of basic amenities, long
working hours, physical separation from the family,
tight controls and rigidly stratified hierarchies have
been considered the reasons for the high level of
stress. However, no formal study has been conducted
to actually ascertain the various causes of stress in
the Border Security Force. The present study uses the
inputs provided by the personnel, of various ranks in
the Force, at the field level to understand the causes
of Stress. The study also discusses various ways to
reduce stress, so as to improve the physical and
psychological health of the BSF personnel and to
improve the overall efficiency of the force.
Background
It is a Testament of truism that Police Vision 2020 is
integral to India Vision 2020, and is closely intertwined
with Global vision 2020. There are good reasons to
believe so when we live in an era of knowledge
society and inhabit a global village.
Policing, associated traditionally with limited part
of human affairs. i.e. control of deviance and disorder,
has, as per new multi-disciplinary literature, direct
or indirect nexus to mankind's utopian ideals and
aspirations of 'perennial peace, progress and
prosperity'. The interconnectedness of these
elements could be illustrated in a simple looking
schematic diagram.
to a catalytic agent, in cauldron of world affairs, with
some role for it for development of Global Fund of
Happiness.
Police Vision: Importance and
documentaion
Police with 19th century governing Act and 20th
century outlook could hardly face 21st century
challenges. For Police to stand to a more lofty and
romantic reputation, it is essential that it works with
a Vision, as is the need felt universally. Vision has
powerful influence as indicated by former President
APJ Abdul Kalam: "VISION IGNITES NATION".
Considering infeasibility of scenario planning (a
mechanism usually adopted for preparing vision
document) for police, which has rather inflexible
legal charter of duties, and for reasons of constraints
of resources, a singular forward looking approach,
with the backdrop of tacit SWOT (Strength, weakness,
Opportunity, Threat) analysis, on current policing,
has been considered more appropriate here.
To get some clue of Police Vision 2020, an inherent
need is felt to seek answers to four basic questions-
and the whole hierarchy of searching queries,
arising thereafter - about what is envisioned in the
year 2020 w.r.t. :
National scenario in which Police will work
Challenges emerging from such scenario,
relevant to Police
Police organisation and its internal functioning
Police Vision 2020
Policing for Global Fund of Happiness
S.P. Mathur*, IPS
"A developed India by 2020 or even earlier is not a dream,
It need not be a mere vision in the minds of many Indians.
It is a mission we can all take up - and succeed".
- APJ Abdul Kalam.
Key Words
Civil Society
Criminal Preventology,
Police Science,
RTI Act, 2005,
Vigil on Excellence,
Global Fund of Happiness
India related World Bank Repor ts and UNDP's
Human Development Repor ts, doing a sor t of
Policing Impact Analysis, too, have recognised such
a relationship in Indian context.
If the amalgam of Peace, Progress and Prosperity
could be construed as 'happiness', then a picture
could even emerge where Police could be likened
*Ex-DGP, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Police response to contemporary and emerging
challenges
Thinking out of the box attempt has been made to
address the bigger question of role and responsibility
of different stakeholders in Prevention of deviance
and disorder.
National Scenario
While changes take place in all spheres, the major
driving forces, besides, natural disasters, that impact
policing most are in the areas of 'international
relations' , ' demography' , ' social structure' ,
'economy', 'political system' and 'technology', and
the complex interplay amongst the same.
Accentuating faultlines in country's social-eco-
political architecture; low Human Development
Index (HDI) and high Corruption Perception Index
(CPI); the national aspiration for superpower status,
on account of growing economy, beyond vision 2020,
and the consequent neighbours' envy thereabout;
civilisational clash in a fractured and fluid global
power order; myriad internal and external security
threats facing the nation; complexities emanating,
on all fronts, from LPG (Liberalisation, Privatisation,
Globolisation) ; increasing population as also
urbanisation, and perpetual threat of illegal migration
on porous eastern borders; uncontrolled and
uncontrollable rise in power of science and
technology to cause both damage and delight;
deterioration in environmental / ecological systems,
etc. are some of the prime factors constituting
snapshot of emerging Indian scenario. The
complexity of these factors is getting compounded
dynamically. All of the environmental changes, taken
conjointly, lead to innumerable present and
prospective challenges before Indian police.
Policing: Challenges
For sake of simplicity, these are categorized in three
parts, as given below:
Policing: Emerging Challenges
Significant contemporary and futuristic challenges,
(including some traditional ones with national and
international raminifications) arising out of
environmental changes, are listed below:
Terrorism and its variants, having national and
global dimensions, like cross-border terrorism,
hijacking, etc.
Left wing extremism in varied form, and
insurgency
Border Security and coastal security
Narcotics and its heinous form like narco
terrorism
Cyber crimes (As chief component of
technology enabled crimes) in different hues,
including hacking and damage of networks,
identity theft, misappropriation, stalking, cyber
pornography, and even cyber terrorism
Economic offences in endless ways (white
collar crimes like money laundering, Banking
and NBFC frauds, corporate frauds)
Counterfeiting currency (even with intent to
economically destabilise the nation)
Organised crime, specially involving mafios
and gangsterism (including land grab mafia,
smuggling, extortion, kidnapping for ransom
etc.)
Corruption and its cancerous, dimensions
(specially at high places)
Environment related crimes
Communal and caste clashes, and ethnic
violence
Trafficking in women and children
Organ Trade
Election related violence and offences
Chaotic and worsening traffic condition in
metros and mega cities.
There is need to update this list periodically. BPR&D/
NPA must undertake the laborious task of building
and consolidating a solid body of knowledge on each
challenge, as done in scientific literature. One series
could be a beginners' guide and the other,
professional one for top leadership and policy
planners.
Policing : Traditional Challenges
With respect to traditional policing (basically
meaning crime against property and persons, and
regulatory work) and organisational functioning, the
Abstract
Police, in its
professionalized avtar, could
reach a new high, in the
year 2020. It could then be
acceptable standards of
service delivery, and could
face ever emerging
challenges confidently, with
several new developments
and favourable factors, like:
Judiciary's helpful
intervention causing rise in
Police Reforms. Growing
application of RTI Act, 2005,
leading to better
transparency and
accountability;
Development of new
science of Criminal
Preventology, and
Police Vision 2020 Policing for Global Fund of Happiness
challenges are nothing new, but a prominent few,
and closely interlinked amongst the same, deserve
reiteration:
Bandhs and mass agitations, often turning
violent, damaging persons and property (mostly
public)
Group clashes, specially on sensitive issues,
say, involving parochialism, politics, etc.
Mob violence (including Vigilantism) on
account of real and imaginary causes, like
deficiency of service by anyone (individual or
agency), including Criminal Justice System.
Lack of autonomy on account of interplay of
extraneous considerations leading to
inadequacies and deterioration in crucial areas
of administration viz; recruitment, placement,
transfer, training, disciplinary action, etc.
Absence of transparency and accountability
Questionable service delivery, like burking of
cases, indifference to investigation, etc.
Low police Image w.r.t. pervasive corruption,
brutality, discourtesy, and lick-above-and kick-
below mentality at all levels, chiefly at
subordinate ranks.
Inadequate coordination with, and inadequate
reforms of other wings of criminal Justice.
Administration viz., Prosecution, Judiciary and
Correctional Institutions.
Inadequate availability of, and poor adaptation
to, science and technology in policing systems.
Increasing work load on account of newer
legislation, as also absence of periodical review
of statuate, in conformity with current and
futuristic requirements.
Policing : Challenge of Excellence
Society everywhere aspires for 'peace', 'prosperity'
and 'progress' perennially, even against all odds.
Contemporarily, the demand, in the fiercely
competitive third millennium globalised scenario is
excellence of products and services. People and
various organisations of Civil Society have similar
rising expectations from Police, who, at best, promise
to deliver status- quoist and mediocrity. driven
services. There is no reason for the future police not
to rise to the occasion. It is axiomatic that Public
money must be spent unquestionably in the most
creatively thought out and best possible ways for
purely public causes that, too, in well conceived
and prioritized manner and not under any
circumstance, in arbitrary and adhocist way. Sum
and substance of it is: The well known idiom 'Eternal
vigilance is the price of liber ty' needs to be
supplemented with a new one 'Eternal VIGIL ON
EXCELLENCE is the price of envisioned future'.
Policing : Vision to Action
Envisioned future of police (a traditionally very well
established organisation in India) will emerge
continuously, and not with the waving of a magic
wand at the end of a certain period. Future-readiness
of an organisation could largely be achieved,
interalia, through combined action on issues at three
levels of the organisation:
Policy
Management! Administration
Operation
Various Commissions/Committees including
National Police Commission (1978-80). Justice
Malimath Committee on Reforms in Criminal Justice
(2003), Robeiro Committee (2004), Solisorabjee
Committee (2005) and latest Madhav Menon
Committee dealing with National Policy on Criminal
Justice (2006) have given deep thought to most of
the issues, covered under Policy, Administration and
operation. A survey of opinion of the senior Police
Officers of Tamil Nadu State was carried out,
basically in the context of a research paper
"Contemporary Policing: Leadership Challenges:,
presented during 35
th
year Robbion seminar at
National Police Academy, Hyderabad (Aug 2007),
the Questionnaire response is available at Annexure-
I. Highly favourable responses with respect to need
for (i) New Police (Chance Police reforms), ii)
transparency in Police functioning, (iii) excellence
of service delivery &(iv) measurement of public
satisfaction, etc. are reflected in recommendations
made in their paper.
Following documents is highly recommended:
formulation of National
Policy on Crime Prevention;
and Adoption of latest
techno- managerial tools for
Organisational excellence,
etc. Taking a balanced view,
a success-bound action-plan
for future-readiness is
outlined.
Policing: Constraints Management
Policy level changes - often called reforms - signify
removal of artificial constrains and help provide
requisite supporting environment to the initiative and
action in other two areas. With Supreme Court's
judgment (Sep. 2006) on Ex-DGP BSF/UP Shri
Prakash Singh's decade old writ petition, a sort of
silver lining has appeared on much awaited Police
Reforms. Police leadership, in larger public interest,
should provide appropriate inputs for consolidation
of Reform process, without which the whole Vision
exercise could become farcical. The Administrative
Reforms Commission headed by Shri Veerapa
Moaily on consolidation of all previous literature on
Police Reforms, in its 5th Report (Public order) has
strongly recommended need for wide ranging Police
Reforms. In this context, it is noted that there is still
stiff resistance from most State Governments to
accept the Reform Process and provide functional
autonomy to police force. BPR&D needs to
proactively have policy level issues researched
through Academia, if necessary, in collaboration with
State Police Leaders, as also civil society
organisations, to provide forceful inputs to the Central/
State Governments to overcome inertia w.r.t key
areas of Police Reforms. This will help
materialisation of Lincholn's prophesy "you can't
fool all the people, all the time", the Central
Government could expedite action on Soli Sorabjee
Committee for enactment of new police act without
any delay.
The top brass associated with State Security
Commissions, proposed to be set up for overseeing
police performance, should proactively ensure
integrity of such mechanism in actual operation. They
have a great oppor tunity and responsibility in
associating themselves with crucial creative
decision making processes. For this to happen,
effective use of the ten creative decision having
principles of DeBono is essential.
DATT (Direct Action Thinking Tools)
Wendesbury's Principle of Reasonableness,
and study of 'fallacies' might be greatly helpful
in avoidance of bad and promotion of good
decision making.
Policing: Strategic Management (with
paradigm of Vigil on Excellence)
NPC (National Police Commission (1978-80))
Report is almost a Strategic Management Manual
of police and its institutions. Its content includes an
equivalent of ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning)
of any major organisation, minus, of course the
current ICT flavour.
There is enough of description of police functioning
in NPC Report, and subsequent police literature,
needing no reiteration here, through some of the
newly formed State Police Commissions and other
vision documents seem to have re-emphasised
need for improvement in management of various
Ms (men, machine, money, methods, materials
mindset) to enable the Police organisation to offer
better responses to emerging challenges.
Irrespective of the type of current and emerging
challenges faced by police, it is essential that the
organisation is managed and operated in highly
professional manner.
Unfettered of policy constraints, it should be very
much possible for Police Leadership to profitably
learn from private sector's functioning. Success
stories that have brought renaissance in economic
development abound at national and international
level: consumer electronics, ICT, white and brown
goods, automobile, are just a few sectors, in a long
list that touch and enliven the lives of millions. Green
and White revolutions have preceded these
successes. The business leadership overcame
constraints intelligently to create admirable public
good. In International Policing scenario, one of the
best success story, worthy of emulation, is that of
FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) - globally
acclaimed Federal Police Agency of U.S.A.
In this context, from out of studies of an
incomprehensibly vast subject of strategic
management, a road map, for Indian Police, is some
how, tried to be encapsuled below:
Strategic (long term) management of
organisation: Setting Vision and Mission
Statements; environment scanning; formulation
of objectives with SWOT analysis, in relation to
duty charter and challenges; structuring of
organisations and its functioning with emphasis
on (Business) Policing Process Re-engineering
and Organisational Re-engineering; feedback,
improvement
Framing and dissemination of Citizen's Charter
Setting parameters of performance and
evaluation
Transparency of function: Suo-Moto
presentation of information on a dedicated portal
Standardising (formatting) public grievance
redressal mechanism
Periodical survey of public opinion
Acquisition of ISO 9001-2000 Certification by
different units using participative approach (with
check-lists and systems approach) for
providing quality service to stakeholders for
effectiveness.
Contingency Management
Aiming for excellence: Working towards ISO
9004-2000 (best-of-class) standards - for
efficiency/productivity - using creativity and
constant innovation. This could include TPM
(Total Productivity Management), TQM (Total
Quality Management), ERP (Enterprise
Resource Planning), EFQM (European
Foundation for Quality Management) Model of
Business Excellence, and finally 6 sigma
approaches.
Strategic management of an organisation is not
rocket science. With firm resolution and brilliance
scattered all over, it should very much be possible
for police to ensure organisational excellence and to
deliver highest quality of service, in a phased
manner. To help the States, a road map for general
guidance, could be prepared by a Task Force
appointed by BPR&D, with support from MHA. Rome
was not built in a day, and as Mao said, 'A thousand
mile journey starts with a step'. London Police saw
metamorphosis, with Robet Peel's initiatives in 1829,
and corruption - ridden Hongkong turned a new leaf
quickly in mid 20
th
century. It is turn for Indian Police
now, indeed.
In this matter better help is at hand. Quinquennial
Strategic Plan (latest 2004-2009) of FBI (USA)-
globally recognised, fiercely independent
professional police set-up - is available at (http://
www. f bLgov/ publ i cat i ons/ st r at egi cpl an/
strategicplantext.htm). Its schemata W.r.t.
organisational functioning, both in intensity and
extensive sweep, can hardly be bettered. Police
Futurists International - best publication on Police
futures - provides, however, a caveat that Policing
like Economic Development, has to be country and
culture specific. Hence, while global advances in
Science and technology and Management, etc. could
be gainfully adopted, with local ingenuity, the core of
policing, needs to be developed anywhere, as in
India, with its own genius. In actual application, it
has to be fur ther finetuned suiting to regional
requirements. Also the specific requirements and
sensibilities of rural, coastal, tribal sectors, and
specially that of exploding mega cities need to be
seen. Same is the case with extremism, insurgency
and terrorism - infected areas. In Policing a Country
of sub-continental dimensions, with multiple
diversity, there is no such thing as one-size-fits-all.
A few prominent areas of strategic management
alone can find a mention here:
ABC analysis
There is need for prioritisation of activities, specially
to give high importance to those jobs that have far
reaching consequences. Attention prioritisation and
resource allocation, on equitable and not equal basis,
for whole lot of challenges, looking to repercussion
and impact, therefore need completely new study to
optimise gains of policing or else, as per Pareto's
80/20 Law, 80% attention would go to 20% cases
and vice-versa.
Recruitment, Placements, Training
(Leadership Development included)
The most speedy, effective and totally cost-free way
of achieving dramatic improvement in the functioning
and performance of the police organisation is simply
to professionalise three prime processes viz
recruitment, transfer/postings and disciplinary
action. An independent Recruitment Board, as
existing in certain States, say Tamil Nadu, working
in fair and transparent manner, needs to be
established in each State. This should also work
under public oversight. A computer-assisted Human
Resource Development System must be developed
and put into operation to avoid corruption and
favouritism in transfers/ postings and training
programmes. A system of compulsory training at
all levels, as applicable in Armed Forces, must be
introduced and promotions must be allowed only on
clearing various rigorous tests. Continuing
Professional Education, (CPE), as in Medical field
(CME and preferably web based), needs to be
introduced for all senior officers. It is said, an army
is as good as its generals, likewise, a Police
organisation is as good as its leaders. Thus, there
has to be a great emphasis on Leadership
Development Programmes by NPA and other Police
Training Institution. Global & Indian MNCs have
advanced through this simple mechanism knowing
that leaders would carry forward the organisation's
mission the best way.
High Impact Policing work
Energy theft is estimated at Rs. 20,OOO crore or
more annually, in contrast to the country' total
property crime figure of Rs. 3000 crore, but the
attention former gets from Police as also State,
Governmentsis not even a miniscule of what it
deserves. Burgeoning white collar crimes and
threatening organised crime get poor attention too.
Inspite of corruption being the root cause of virtually
most ills affecting the nation there is pathetically
poor attention, in policing, to this area. Police
perceived as hand-maiden of Political Establishment
(great deal of which is mired into corruption itself)
does just a cosmetic part. Big fish never gets caught.
Feeling disillusioned, with Polity/Policy, people in a
recent NDTV poll rated 'corruption' as nation's shame
number one. Setting its own house in order, Police,
henceforth to function under Public Oversight, has a
cardinal duty to rid the body politic of 'corruption
cancer' without affecting the normal organs
(innocent people), inadvertently or wantonly. 'Civil
Society' will have to be proactively mobilised for
this purpose, far more than what is happening now.
In proper collaboration with 24x7 influence peddling
media, it could seek whole lot of promises in
manifestoes of all Political parties or face people's
rejection at the hustings. Transparency International
could possibly take lead and strategise on this area.
Special Units
For responding to all important emerging challenges,
cyber crime, organsied crime, white collar crime
etc. which may be fewer in number, but higher in
importance and impact, specialised units need to
be created and manned by specially trained/
experienced hands, keeping questions of advanced
planning and continuity in view. These are not areas
where round peg in square hole would fit.
Bottom of Pyramid
Police constable working as the cutting edge and
Police Station as frontline interface with public need
considerable face lifting, in innovative ways. Need
for high morale and welfare at this level hardly needs
reemphasis. Gender justice within constabulary is
another area needing high priority with increasing
induction of women in Police Service.
Public/Police Grievance Redressal
A set of computer compatible Formats, for Public
Grievance Redressal and for internal purposes
Employees Grievance Redressal need to be created.
This process could also be designed as webbased,
menu-driven, user-friendly system. With this in
place, there will be no chance of loss of documents;
no difficulty in monitoring, no delay in processing,
and no delay responding. Not only operational action
but decision support for administrative and policy
level decisions would also be available, using the
automatically generated data base.
Revamping Intelligence Units
The intelligence units need to be almost re-invented
as most manpower is seen to be squandered in
attending to issues irrelevant to state security. The
activities bear little nexus to objectives often and
there is no manpower audit or per formance
evaluation, as such units are considered
(Unfortunately) "holy cow" within Police system.
Keeping Ruling Political Party happy and in power,
seems to be the chief guiding principle of Intelligence
Outfits. Such wayward approach needs course
correction on professional lines.
Knowledge Base
The Administrative Reforms Commissions/
Knowledge Commission have laid great emphasis
not only on e-governance initiatives but also on
building appropriate knowledge bases beginning with
infallible crime/criminal Information systems to help
take proper decisions in key areas like Process re-
engineering and organisational re-engineering.
Civilians and experts could be better used for doing
this rather than wasting trained Police manpower
for the same.
Traffic Management
Traffic management (usually connected with E's -
Engineering, Education, Encroachment and
Enforcement) is becoming a nightmare in most cities,
especially Metro/Mega towns. Economic
development and quality of life have been directly
affected on account of deteriorating traffic conditions.
Beyond 'education', in a limited way and attending to
honest (!) enforcement, possibly with the help of
technology, and at best, offering stray suggestions
for minor improvements here and there Police seems
hemmed in this complex inter-disciplinary area even
though it has been facing the flak most from public.
Innovative approaches, and honesty of purpose in
keeping the policy maker informed of the impending
danger of worsening traffic situation, will be required
to address myriad issues. Being at the cutting edge
of enforcement it should keep public informed of its
limitations, and seek civil society's support in getting
proper policy framework for improved futuristic
traffic management.
Performance Measurement
This area needs serious relook, as most work in
this area needs to be done ab initio and it needs to be
subjected periodically to public oversight. 'What gets
measured, gets done' is well known management
mantra, quite well applicable for indexing and
improving Police per formance constantly.
Guidelines for this could be centrally prepared by
BPR&D, in consultation with experts.
It is time Police Leaders attended to the above tasks
carefully and in time-bound manner.
Policing: Environment Management
Besides dealing with the usual set of Ms (Men,
Money, Machines, Materials and Methods), as
prescribed in management literature, the police
leaders need to interact with another Mset (Media,
Masters, Masses) to be able to respond to different
challenges successfully.
The greatest hope for futuristic policing is building
mutual trust with Civil Society and Media, in large
pubic interest, while, of course, systematically
scanning the environment and creating proactive
approaches. The Central and State Governments
Agencies of CJA, NGOs various interest groups and,
people at large etc. form the environment for Police.
Appropriate interaction at all levels hardly needs
renewed emphasis. For such interactions to be
meaningful needs to be governed with dispassionate
and reasoned thinking.
The Civil Society (virtually non-existent six decades
ago at the time of Independence) is much more
ar ticulate and powerful today, and is no less
knowledgeable than the Establishment and the
Political System combined. It seems to be relentless
in its pursuit of achieving transparency and
accountability on part of Public Organs of the State,
wielding sharp instrument like RTI Act, 2005, and
sharper like Public Interest Litigation (PIL). It is ably
supported by 24 x 7 TV channels, almost to a fault.
With constant public pressure, say as exerted through
powerful Civil Society organisation, policing could
be virtually reinvented, with (proactive) application
of RTI Act, 2005, by Police Leadership. It is a weapon
akin to modern Brahmastra, enabling victory of virtue
over evil. Many pessimistis, believing in impending
doomsday scenario for Police, would change their
view once action in this area acquires full steam.
In a democracy, which is 'of, 'for' and 'by' people, it is
correctly said the Policeman is Citizen in uniform
and a citizen is a Policeman without uniform. This
concept forms the bedrock of community policing.
Also the 'citizen' need not literally mean an individual
but, with limitless possibilities, could mean a 'Group'
or an 'Institution' or an 'Association' etc. One such
fresh experiment being tried is use of NSS
Volunteers, through multiplier effor t, for
enlightenment and empowerment of public for
prevention of deviance and disorder, including
protection of public property during mass agitations/
stray incidents. In this context, the feasibility and
efficacy of the innumerable practices currently in
vogue (many of them with more hype than hope for
seeking public cooperation) need to be critically re-
examined, and an integrated and innovative strategy
needs to be created and implemented (with local
customisation) properly, for ensuring effective
policing. Such strategies seem to have proven their
wor th in some places and are integral to
contemporary and futurist policing, though having
had little application in the previous era. BPR&D
could possibly form a Task Force for this purpose at
the earliest.
Policing Technology Management
Technology, to say the obvious, gives edge to
Policing. At a time when new age criminal is always
racing ahead of the Cop, one need not labour on the
need of increasing use of appropriate science and
technology in Police for its future-readiness. Plenty
of literature is available for such present and
prospective uses in policing, and hence details are
avoided here.
The baton - wielding and gun - trotting cops need to
get familiar with and start using the state-of-the-art
gizmos and gear (including arms and ammunition)
to be one step ahead of the better equipped modern
criminal. A system of 'Change Management', at all
levels, needs to be institutionalised as most of future
policing, in handling all type of networked criminal
Information systems, cyber crime, corporate crime
and extremism would involve high tech knowledge.
It should begin with e-Iiteracy at all levels, including
the top brass, as it is their sensitisation that would
have necessary trickle down effect. Use of GIS and
GPS for control rooms (vehicle tracking and ensuring
high speed response to all routine or emergency
calls) and crime/criminal mapping, as routine
practised in USA, EU countries, Japan etc., with entry-
level presence in some cities like Mumbai must
become common place. COMSTAT (Net worked
crime-criminal data base) used successfully
beginning with New York - in various places needs
to be studied for appropriate adoption in Indian cities.
An article 'ICT in Law Enforcement' appearing in
October, 2007 issue of 'ind' (ICT for Development)
magazine has nicely highlighted urgent need for
Police to remain updated in the area of Information
and communication technology.
The current method of acquiring vendor- driven and
often outdated and outmoded technologies needs to
be replaced by an institutionalised mechanism to
be operated by tech-savvy professionals working
for a Central Technology Expert Group. Such an
independent Group could be constituted by BPR&D/
MHA, and work with active collaboration of State
Police Forces. Scientific literature, world over, is
multiplying fast in this areas. Much can also be learnt
from international experience, say, as from the
functioning of TEU (Technological Exploration Unit)
working under LAPD (Los Angeles Police
Department). Customising technology proactively,
to specific Police requirements, as practised in TEU,
is superior to passive adaptation to just available
technologies done currently in India. Amongst
plethora of print and web sources the US
Government's Technology Magazine and its free
website http.//govtech.com, giving latest advances
in technology in law enforcement, seem to be quite
useful for acquiring newer knowledge by police
leaders and police planners. Need for appropriate
modernisation of Finger Print Bureaux, (with state-
of-the-art AFIS, etc. Forensic Labs, Communication
Units, Technical and Mobility Suppor t Groups,
Intelligence Outfits, and all field units, right up to
Police Stations, hardly needs recounting.
Policing: Innovation Management
(Thinking out of the box)
The Police does not have to live from one crisis to
the other and offer knee-jerk responses. Lateral
thinking can create, in advance, responses to the
variety of envisioned challenges. There is thus
almost mental rehearsing of the situation and its
solution, when the need arises. In fact, the modern
jargon is: Innovate or perish. Innovative thinking can
create harmonious resolution of conflicting and at
times, mutually contradictory interests, specially in
policy and management within hierarchy of
objectives (some times, indistinguishable), time-
phasing for some pre-conceived optimization, within
given constraints. As they say, the devil lies in the
details, the abstract be converted into ground reality
and practical issues. A few suggestions deserving
consideration are given here.
Policing: Best Management Practices
Development, dissemination and utilisation of Best
Management Practices is highly recommended for
handling different challenges, and in area of
'Organisational Excellence' discourse on India topcop
blog ( A private initiative of senior IPS officers) could
be put to effective use by BPR&D. Each state could
have such blog for its senior officers and it could
work almost like cyber Think Tank. There can be
participation of retired officials as also enlightened
citizens who may like to share their views and
experiences with a select interest group. Every
initiative, however, needs to be put through the
rigorous critical scrutiny and evaluation before being
accorded the status of BMP. For this purpose, an
independent multi - disciplinary standing unit needs
to be created and made to operate under the aegis of
NPA/BPR&D. With the maturing of new area
Knowledge Management in Policing, the task of
experience sharing and its effective utilisation would
surely improve in days to come.
Though the current police would continue to grapple
with recruitment and registration issues for some
more time, the future police would dabble in advance
Knowledge / Wisdom based areas with comfort.
For that to happen an academic approach could begin
now itself.
Leaders in Police, as in several organisations, face
decision making dilemmas and there is no handy
toolkit to help. It would be useful, if the quintessence
of civilisational wisdom (e.g. what scriptures, sages,
celebrities and scholars inform on different critical
issues), related to policing requirements, could be
integrated and distilled and made available in (end)
user-friendly format, employing Expert Systems/
Knowledge Based Systems, and preferably
upcoming Wisdom based systems. The gains could
be updated dynamically. Indeed, the kinks of residual
uncertainties, optimal result could always be ironed
out intutively. Policy/Administrative issues of
organisational re-engineering, process re-
engineering and inter and intra-organisational
resource allocation could then be addressed better,
as is being done by MNCs globally. One does not
have to learn from hindsight every time. Using such
handy wisdom that transcends clueless broad legal
framework, decision making in operational issues,
as sampled below, could be facilitated.
Timing and course of action by commandos in
a plane hijacking situation,
Time and material resource allocation for
pursuing a rather intractable looking sensational
organised crime case,
Quantum and duration of deployment of security
forces at border or elsewhere, etc.,
Steering clear of the accusation of police
inactivity/excesses,
Response in those situations which require fine
balancing act, in an era of 24x7 visibility.
Tighter financial auditing of police functioning by the
Civil Society, seeking 'value taxpayer's money', will
force, in future, recourse to such systems which do
not seem to make much sense today.
For enactment and review of Statules/Rules by
legislators and formulation/review of judicial
pronouncements (specially w.r.t. quantum of
sentencing) such expert systems could be extremely
useful specially as data in criminal justice system,
or other related fields is often unavailable/
inadequate/unreliable. These are just illustrative
examples, of the whole gamut of activities in
Criminal Justice Administration (CJA), which has
several grey areas. With the help of academia,
serious research could being in many of the above
mentioned areas.
Policing: National Policy on Crime Prevention
Global Police literature and experience shows that
consistent with the present and prospective
challenges, several nations (SA, Canada, Austrialia
etc.) have come up with National Policy on Crime
Prevention, with roles and responsibilities clearly
defined for different organs of the State and different
stakeholders of the society. What is the scenario in
India constitutionally / legally ?
*Crime prevention figures as impor tant duty of
police.
*Police figures in second list of the seventh schedule
of the Constitution as State subject.
*State Government has superintendence over police,
as per (antiquated) police Act, 1861. There is
tentativeness in affairs of human civilization and the
people with certain 'ends' in view need to innovate
on the 'means', legitimately.
It is high time, therefore, that a serious look was
given to the realistic scenario for formation of
National Policy on Crime Prevention. The following
steps are recommended:
Setting up Police University
As war is too serious a subject to be left to the
'Generals' (alone), Policing is too complex a issue
to be left to the Cops (alone). A visionary, multi-
disciplinary and sustained approach is necessary
through an institutionalised mechanism for Police
Studies, which encompasses Police Science, as it
deals with non-crime areas and with whole gamut
of administrative functions of Police organisation.
Setting up Police University (say with incorporation
of the current BPR&D) with multi-disciplinary faculty,
could serve this purpose. Japan, like many other
nations, for instance, has an organisation called
National Research Institute of Police Science. In
Australia, there is Australian Institute of Criminology.
As per MHA, Government of India is giving serious
thought to it for a variety of reasons, issue need not
be laboured more.
Development of Police Science
Police Science is a multi-disciplinary, result-
oriented, Applied Science. Wikipedia (web portal)
defines Police Science as: Police science is often
an ambiguous term that denotes studies and research
in Criminology, forensic science, psychology,
jurisprudence, community policing criminal justice,
cor rectional administration and penology.
Researches in Police Science could be carried out
in academic circles, as also in Police Training
Institutions, and in the proposed Police University.
The current literature in the country is far below the
requirements, in absolute terms, far below
international standards, in relative terms. Material
scattered all over needs to be compiled as one body
of knowledge for reference, use, and fur ther
research- specially to avoid re-inventing wheel.
Police University could help bridge the gaps and
address these serious issues.
Development of specialized area of Criminal
Preventology
This, rather unfamiliar looking name in police
lexicon, has, however, a mention in criminal
Jurisprudence of Slovak Republic. It was certainly
essential to have created one, if such concept did
not exist, as specially a separate branch of Police
Science. The need is to define, develop it with all the
seriousness and urgency that is associated with
envisioning a pleasant future.
For prevention and control of deviance and disorder,
a diagrammatic representation of police, CJS, and
general environment is given below:
Deviance and Disorder: prevention and control
Environment includes: International Agencies of CJS,
Central/ State Governments Local Bodies, Spiritual
Bodies including Religious Establishment, Chambers
of Commerce, Media, NGOs, Interest Groups and
Associations, and enlightened citizens, etc.
CJS (Criminal Justice System) includes : Legislation
Police, Prosecution, Judiciary Correctional
Institutions.
Police org. chiefly includes: Field Units, HQ, special
Units, Tech support Group
Currently Police has primary, CJS has secondary,
and Environment has tertiary responsibilities for
achieving the above aims in Indian scenario.
The common chief aims of all Agencies are:
for Crime - Limit Probability
for Criminal - Decrease Propensity
for Victim - Reduce Vulnerability
As a result of studies is Criminal Preventology a few
helpful results would follow:
Police would longer be considered more
responsible for incidence/recidivism of crimes
than is medical fraternity considered for
occurrence/recurrence of diseases and trauma.
Historically, however, whereas medical field is
not held responsible for prevention of medical
cases, police, axiomatically, has solely been
held responsible for and be burdened with the
task of prevention of crime.
The war against terror would, in fact, be
considered as a war against causes of terror,
for strategic purposes. Same would correctly
be the case with challenges of extremism
insurgency, and communal/caste clashes, etc.,
which are essentially outcome of complex web
of historical - socio-politico-economic factors.
Most of the contemporary and futuristic
challenges would be provided with multi-
pronged responses and not considered as law
and order approaches, as done hitherto.
As incidence of crime would not be considered
as inadequacy or failure of police functioning,
registration of cases would not - and should
not- be selective. In fact the correct presentation
of figures and statistics would provide better
resources to Police, as also help build more
reliable data bases on crimes/criminals.
Deeper analysis on root causes for prevention
of deviance and disorder could even point the
finger of suspicion to corruption at high places,
and to political-criminal nexus: and may
strongly suggest need for overdue politico-
electoral reforms, or possibly even
constitutional amendment to stem the rot.
National Crime Prevention Centre
It is essential to institute a central authority, say,
National Crime Prevention Centre, as done in some
of the countries, to figure out, to guide, to monitor
and to measure effectiveness of crime prevention
strategies, of different stakeholders. Such
information on roles and responsibilities of different
stakeholders, in Private and Public Arena, as also
their actual performance needs to be put in public
domain transparently.
Review of Laws
While the new statuate could have a built-in
mechanism of periodical review, the existing ones,
in a phased and prioritised manner, also need to
undergo review process to remain relevant, and also
helpful to the objectives of criminal Jutice system.
As it may require longitudinal research work, this
task could be best handled by the proposed Police
University.
Policing: Global Interaction
It is desirable to learn from international experience
in the area of policing, or preferably, whole of Criminal
Justice Administration. In place of patchwork efforts,
Institutionalised mechanism of global interaction
needs to be developed and the gains so obtained
need to be incorporated at policy/administration/
operational level. To counter several types of
challenges, notably terrorism and cyber crime, there
is much to learn from the western world. For example,
Australian Institute of criminology (working for
Australian High Tech Crime Centre) in its Research
Public Policy Series (No.78) has brought out an
excellent publication Future Directions in
Technology Enabled Crime: 2007-09. Eruopean Union
is doing high quality work in this area. Only with
proper exchange of information with global agencies,
Police in India would be able to prepare matching
response to emerging challenges. NPA/BPR&D
could take lead in this area.
Conclusion
A matrix of key recommendations, by no means
exhaustive is given below, for consideration at various
level.
Summary of recommendations
Sl. Recommendation Initiating Possible Time frame Comments
agency Collaborators for action
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)
1. Training in Strategic NPA & State IIPA,ASCI, & 6 months Specially to ensure
Management for Police Academies other management corruption-free & fair
organisational Excellence and private recruitment &
including Leadership institutions postings comprehensive
Development Programme training of all, beside
optimal and effective
utilisation of resource
enabling police to respond
to current future challenges
2. Proactive propagation of BPR&D for Heads of 6 months Civil Society
use of RTI Act, 2005 preparation Police Organisations etc.
indicating transparency in of model organisations help enlightenment
police functioning with document and empowerment
information on of people,
performance parameters for continuous
(wherever feasible) and evaluation, as also
conducting survey of improvement of police
public opinion, performance
periodically
3. Constitution of an MHA, GOI. State Police 1-2 years Comprehensive &
exclusive Institute/ NPA & BPR&D Training inter-disciplinary
University for 'Police Institutions. research in 'Police Studies'
Studies' to act as Think Top level & other related subjects and
Tank for good governance Management and prepare police to help
w.r.t. policing Social/Political meet contemporary
Sciences Institutes and future challenges.
a) Innovation management BPR&D Police Chiefs of Continuous Preparation of model of
including (i) compilation, & NPA States and COPs process excellence in policing
dissemination and and Training Heads and its effective utilisation
monitoring of Best Institutions in ICT (Cops to remain one step
Management Practices & sector ahead of the Criminals)
(ii) Creativity Development
of Knowledge Based
Systems for Policing
Sl Recommendation Initiating Possible Time frame Comments
agency Collaborators for action
b) Development of MHA, GOI, Interpol State 1 Year For policy formulation
'Cirminal Preventology' BPR&D Governments on rolles and
and setting up National responsibilities of
Crime Prevention Centre, different stakeholders,
based on formulation of specially w.r.t 'security
National Crime Prevention & realistic action on
Policy prevention of all types of
crimes and disorders.
4. Use of modern BPR&D Police Chiefs of Continuous For empowering
appropriate and Institute of C&FS States and CPOs; process police in meeting
cost-effective means & Science & contemporary and
mechanisms of science Technology future challenges
and technology and Institutes/
effective utilization there Organisations, in
of public and
private sector
5. Institutionalised system BPR&D Police Chiefs of Periodical For systemic
of review of Laws States, and CPOs; betterment of policing
Law Commission and Criminal Justice
Administration
6. Institutionalised BPR&D Chiefs of Police Periodical; For knowledge
mechanism of Training Institutes; need based sharing and for
interacting with Global Chiefs of State improving police
Policing Systems and Police and CPOs performance constantly
Academia and Academic
Institutes
Though suggestion in this paper have been offered for different stakeholders, principally, it is intended for
police leaders only. The demonstration test of their renewed performance would be gradual fall in the revenue
of the films and tale-serials and literature and tabloid media that has traditionally been relishing, in caricaturing
and ridiculing, rightly or wrongly, police and its functionaries, and in banishment of common man's cliche :
Both Enmity and Friendship of Policeman is bad.
Epilogue:
Gradually, with interventions for future policing put into place, two more question would arise, over a period
of time:
Who will do what?
Who will get what?
The table below sums up the trajectory of policing to year 2020, or even earlier.
Category Period Type of Type of Policing Key Attributes People's view General image
Rooted to Police Person of Police
I Past Copo-macho Destructive/ HR violations, Fear, Indifference, Bad
Inanctive Corruption dissatisfaction
II Present Copo-sapien Active/Reactive Rule-bound, Awe, Low Average
Status-quoist, interaction,
Low sensitivity Satisfaction
III Future Copo-supra Proactive/ Prevention of Amity, Cooperation Good
Predictive deviance, disorder, Happiness
promotion of peace
progress, prosperity
The copo-supra needs to have qualities as given
below:
"The citizen expects Police Officer to have the
wisdom of Soloman, the courage of David, the
strength of Samson, the patience of Job, the
Leadership of Moses, the kindness of the Good
Samaritan, Strategic training of Alexander, the Faith
of Daniel, the Diplomacy of Lincoln, the Tolerance
of Carpenter of Nazereth and finally, an Intimate
Knowledge of every branch of the Natural,
Biological and social Sciences. If he had all these
he might be a Good Policeman"
-I.C.P.R. November, l972
To end, here is an inspiring quote from modern Indian
great spiritual leader.
We are responsible for what we are, and
whatever we wish our ourselves to be, we have
the power to make ourselves. If what we are now
has been the result of our own past actions, it
certainly follows that whatever we wish to be in
future can be produced by our present actions, so
we have to know how to act.
Swami Vivekananda
References
Various Commissions Reports, etc.
1. National Police Commission Reports - (1980)
2. Report of the Kerala Police Performance and
Accountability Commission(2005)
3. National Human Development Repor ts
(Planning Commission)
4. Repor ts of Transparency International on
Corruption Perception Index
5. A consultation paper (2001) on review of the
working of political parties specially in relation
to election and reform options (http://
lawin.nic.in/ncrwe/finalreportlu2b1-8.htm)
6. Fifth Report of Second Administrative Reforms
Commission on Public Order (2007)
Scenario Building and Vision Documentation
7. How to build scenarios by Lawrence Wilkinson.
8. India's new opportunity-2020
Report (2006) of the high level strategic group
(Boston Consulting group for CII)
9. Vision 2020- Discussion paper - Karnataka
State Police Housing Corporation limited http:/
/www.khspc.org/ksphcvision.html
Police Futurism
10. Preparing Police for the twenty first century by
Dr S.Subramaniam
11. Policing India 2025: challenges & issues Ahead
by Jayanto N.Choudhry The Indian Police
Journal, Jan. to Mar.2007 (PP 39 to 47)
12. Policing the future: Law Enforcements new
challenges by Gene Stephens, The Futurist,
March-April 2005.
13. Police for the future Day David Bailey
Terrorism
14. National Workshop on Terrorism in India -
Evolving Patterns and Police response 22nd and
23rd September 2004, Chennai. Compendium.
15. The future of officer Safety in an age of terrorism
by: Michael E.Buerger and Bernord H.Levin. The
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. 74.9 (Sept. 2005)
16. Escape from the killing Zone, "FBI Law
Enforcement Bulletin, March, 2002,1-7, by
Anthony J.Pinizzotto Edward F.Davis, and
Charless E.Miller.
Cyber Crime
17. Technologies Applications Issues - Cyber Trust
and Crime Prevention: Executive Summary.
Foreword by Sir David King, Chief Scientific
Advisor to U.K. Govt. and Head of the office of
science and Technology.
18. Defending against cyber crime and terrorism:
a new role for universities. Tony Aeills. The FBI
Law Enforcement Bulletin.
19. Opening address by Ronald K.Noble, Interpol
Secretary General at the 7th International cyber
crime conference, New Delhi (2006).
Financial Crime
20. Global Economic Crime Survey International,
Western European and Dutch Findings' in world
Perspective
Police Leadership
21. Contemporary Policing; Leadership Challenges
S.P.Mathur, IPS. DGP, Chennai paper presented
in 35th Year Reunion Seminar at National Police
Academy Hyderabad, August, 2007.
22. Centre for Police Leadership: Shared
Leadership: Can Empowerment work in Police
organisations? by Todd Wuestwald, Chief of
Police, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.
Organisational Excellence and Good Governance
23. Everybody wants to go to Heaven: Six steps to
organisational Excellence, by Patrick
J.McDomell'65. Notre Dame Magazine
24. Text of the address of President of India, Dr.APJ
Abdul Kalam to the nation on the eve of Republic
Day, 2007.
25. Seventh D.P.Kohli Memmorial Lecture on
'Economic Growth and Issues of Governance'
by Dr. C.Rangarajan, Chairman, Economic
Advisory Council to the Prime Minister.
Creativity and innovation
26. For DATT (Direct Action Thinking Tools)
www.drmcet.org. sdep/ssc/doc/six % 20
thinking % 20 Hats.com
27. Proactive Knowledge Management in policing:
Paul Wormeli's Tech. Notes.
http: radio.weblogs.com /0126029/stories/
2003/96/09
28. For Knowledge Based System (http://
www.cs.ucy.ac-cy/compulog/wisdomon.htm)
29. For Wisdom based Systems (http://
www. wi s e d e mo c r a c y - o r g / p a p e r s /
wisdom99.html)
30. Complex Issues Management by Ranjan Das
& Kajari Mukherjee (2006) TATA Mc.Graw Hill
publishing company
31. Managing Innovation in the Police Service, by
Ken Jones. Gale Publication.
Technology in Criminal Justice System
32. What is new in Law - Enforcement technology
Part-I-Communications Interoperability, by capt.
Eddie Reyes.
33. Molecular Manufacturing and 21st Century
Policing, by Thomes J.Cowper.
34. FBI Plans a big tent for biometrics: upgrade of
finger print repository could permit future
identifiers by Wilson P Dizard. Gale Publication
Crime Prevention
35. United Nations Economic and social council
Resolution 1998/21 - 44th plenary meeting 28
July, 1998 and compendium of United Nations
Standards and Norms in Crime prevention and
Criminal Justice
36. Report of the International Conference for Crime
Prevention - Partnership to Build/Community
Safety - 26-30 October, 1998 Johhannesburg,
South Africa Edited by Sarah Meek, assisted by
Kirsten Bowen Willer.
37. National Crime Prevention Council: 8th National
conference on preventing crime: Helping Build
Safer Communities, October 3-5,2007, Hilton
Atlanta, G.A.
38. Crime prevention strategy in the Slovak
Republic (2003-2006) Bratishlava, June, 2003.
39. Australian Inst. of Criminology-Trends and
issues in Crime and Criminal Justice. NO.314:
Problem Solving for Crime Prevention Adrian
Cherney.
40. Queensland Govt. - Good Practice Features of
Community Crime Prevention Models M & P
Henderson and Associates Pvt. Ltd. - 2002
41. Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
- From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
42. EXCHANCE - International Association of Law
Enforcement Planners - The New Orleans Police
Foundation joins forces with the business
community in the fight against crimes.
43. INNOVATION IN SIGHTS Social Crime
Prevention Published by centre for Public
Service Innovation (CBST).
Prevention of Corruption
44. Corruption in public life: steps to improve India's
image
(talk delivered at BASF Mumbai on 14.02.2002)
- N.Vital , Central Vigilance Commissioner
45. Prime Minister's key note address to the
conference of officials of CBI and Anti-corruption
Bureax at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi on
November 17, 2006.
Strategy for Excellence
(A primer for Management and Union Executives)
1. 'Excellence can be defined in a variety of ways
and could have varying connotations, under
different circumstances.
2. Excellence' is what we expect in all our
relationships, and in the products and services
used by us, as created or contributed by others.
3. Excellence is what all others, including public,
consumers, customers, clients, all expect from
us also. We can't adopt double standards in our
conduct. There is already a popular maxim that
says "do unto others what you would like to be
done unto you".
4. 'Excellence' in an organization is essential to-
day in the fiercely competitive scenario of 3rd
millennium for the very survival, and certainly
for growth, and indeed for the excitement of
achieving a cherished future.
5. Excellence is essential to leave a legacy for the
posterity who will not forget us if we do what
seems difficult or impossible, but will not forgive
us, if we don't what is generally considered
feasible.
6. Our scriptures, mythology, spiritual values and
noble literature have always driven us to
endeavour towards achievement of excellence,
and so have the sages, celebrities, dignitaries
and leaders in all walks of life.
7. Excellence could be got through motivation for
high achievement.
Sustained efforts are required for maintaining
excellence, specially in competitive scenario.
8. Excellence comes through proactive and
creative participation of all stakeholders.
9. Its only through strategy for excellence and its
systematic and
scientific execution that individuals,
organizations, nations and
civilizations have achieved high places.
Complacency or slippage in sustained effort
brings them down quickly.
10. Those who win Olympic medals, or are
awarded noble prizes/ Oscars/grarnrI1ies/ or
those who make headlines in a variety of fields
like sports, literacy, industry, administration,
entertainment social services, largely rely upon
strategies for excellence, inclusive of
contingency planning.
11. Strategy for Excellence creates an all-win
situation for all the stakeholders and even helps
in harmonious resolution of seemingly
conflicting interests, and takes care of uncertain
and turbulent times.
12. It is difficult to presume that any sane voice
could be heard anywhere against 'Strategy for
Excellence', specially if the bonafides of the
holistic concept are communicated
comprehensive 'Quality', 'productivity' and
' creativity' are essential ingredients of
excellence.
13. The State providing quality products/services
and quality governance alone can prosper well.
As collateral benefit the HDI (Human
Development Index) and CI (Competitiveness
Index) of the country improve and CPI
(Corruption Perception Index) goes down, and
the State in turn is benefited in a variety of ways
including, better attraction of domestic and
foreign investment and tourism.
14. 'Quality', 'Productivity' and 'creativity', are three
essential ingredients of excellence. For the
purpose of general governance/administration/
management, one of the most prominent
methods to ensure quality is to seek the coveted
ISO 9001-200 Certification. It eventually leads
to incorporation of 'Best Management Practices'
and in securing Best-of-class standards in any
Sector, compatible with ISO 9004-2000
Standards, Though essentially ISO 9001 -2000
Certification deals with 'Quality' as the major
attribute, it helps in improving 'productivity'
specially through active par ticipation and
involvement of all the employees and even of
different stakeholders. This also improves
scope for 'creativity' 'which is the third most
significant factor for sustaining excellence, in
an organization, through significant emphasis
on 'continual Improvement' indirectly it helps
curb irregularities/malpractices/corrupt
practices.
15) The fundamental concepts of excellence
Apart from ISO 9001-2000 Standards, European
Foundation for Quality Management have also
got a Business Excellence model. The EFOM
Model is a non-prescriptive framework that
recognises there are many approaches to
achieving sustainable excellence. Within this
non-prescriptive approach, there are some
Fundamental Concepts which underpin the
EFQM Model. These are expressed below.
There is no significance intended in the order of
the concepts. The list is not meant to be
exhauystive and they will changve as excellent
organizations develop and improve.
Results Orientation
Excellence is achieving results that delight all
the organisation's stakeholders.
Customer Focus
Excellence is creating sustainable customer
value
Leadership & constancy of purpose
Excellence is visionary and inspirational
leadership, coupled with constancy of purpose
Management by Processes & Facts
Excellence is managing the organization through
a set of interdependent and interrelated
systems, processes and facts.
People Development & Involvement
Excellence is maximizing the contribution of
employees through their development and
involvement
Continuous Learning, Innovation & Improvement
Excellence is challenging the status quo and
effecting change by using learning to create
innovation and improvement opportunities.
Partnership Development
Excellence is developing and maintaining value-
adding partnerships.
Corporate Social Responsibility
Excellence is exceeding the minimum
regulatory framework in which the organization
operates and to strive to understand and
respond to the expectations of their stakeholders
in society.
16. Acquisition of prestigious ISO 9001-2000
Cer tification does not harm, in any way
employees' interests at all. It does not deal with
retrenchment or with reduction of pay and
allowances or current and prospective welfare
measures. It only enhances the social image of
the organization and hence that of each
employee and indirectly that of the members of
the employees' families. Betterment of
organization can provide better growth
possibilities and hence higher profits and
promotional avenues for the employees. There
is not one single organization where acquisition
of ISO 9001 -2000 cer tification became
detrimental to employees' interests. On the
contrary, employees of all the organizations
which acquired ISO 9001-2000 Certification, in
the long run, felt god and great. Other
apprehensions, if any, about ISO 9001 - 2000
Certification could be addressed through proper
enlightenment.
17. Like the Senior executives are duty bound to
ensure devotion to duty of their subordinates,
the Trade Unions, too, have a great role to
perform in influencing their members - mass
of employees through proper dissemination of
the meaning and importance of 'Strategy for
Excellence' and consequently of the need for
acquisition of ISO 9001 - 2000 Certification for
the organization.
18. If the leadership of management and Trade Union
does adequate reflection and firmly resolves to
acquire ISO 9001-2000 Certification for the
Organisation, it be can safely presumed that its
actual acquisition would not be very far off.
Psychologists and management exper ts
believe that high self-confidence leads to high
self-esteem and then on to high aims and finally
to higher achievements.
19. The 'Tryst with Destiny' proclaimation of the first
Prime Minister made on the eve of
Independence, the India vision 2020 dreamt of
by His Excellency the President and Hon'ble
Prime Minister of India and the strong resolve
of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of the State to make
Tamilnadu as number one state in the country,
could all come true only, if each organization of
the State (and that of the country too) commits
itself to excellence and achieves it, in as short
a period as possible.
20. As basically the Quality Management System
(QMS) deals with doing things in an organized
manner, towards existing and expected public
satisfaction, in compliance of the laws of the
land, the steps involved as acquisition of ISO
9001-2000 Certification are not difficult and the
cost involved, in fact, is quite minimal. In
laymans language, it means : Write what you
do; Do what you write; Defaults and aberration
in operation have little place, when there is
resolution to provide the expected bench-
marked service standards.
21. We must individually and collectively, seize the
golden opportunity to create History and be a
part of it.
Key Words
Internal Security, Internal
(In) Security, Jammu &
Kashmir, North-East,
Naxalism, Social Fault
Lines, Crisis of Governance,
Good Governance, Politico-
Criminal Nexus, Corruption,
Dilatory and Ineffective
Criminal Justice System,
Politicization and Non-
Professional Approach of
Police, Violation of Human
Rights, Crime, Cyber
Crimes, White- Collar
Crimes, Economic Security,
Policy Responses,
Psychological Initiatives,
and Union Ministry of Home
Affairs.
Internal (In) Security in India
Challenges and Responses
Akshat Mehta*
*Lecturer, Police Administration,
Centre for Emerging Areas in
Social Sciences, Aruna Ranjit
Chandra Hall,
Room No. 201, 1st Floor, Panjab
University, Chandigarh - 160 014.
E-mail:
akshat_humane@yahoo.co.in
An Overview
The challenge of internal security is our biggest
national security challenge today (Singh, Manmohan,
2005). Internal Security in India has been marred by
the feelings of all pervasive deep 'Insecurity'
amongst the citizens. There have been innumerable
challenges before the internal security of India. As a
Nation we have been making sustained efforts to
contain them and if possible to overcome them. An
overview of the internal security in India reflects a
positive trend as far as overcoming the earlier
challenges are concerned. Nevertheless, the rising
incidents of terrorism across the length and breadth
of the country, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir,
Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland continue to pose a
serious threat to the internal security of the Nation.
In addition, there have been some major serial blasts
in the recent past, resulting into colossal loss of
lives and property. Naxalism has been growing in
strength and has grown spatially, spreading its
tentacles to as many as thirteen States and close to
200 districts. Its consolidation remains the most
potent threat to peace and order in the country.
The social fault-lines of caste, religion, gender,
ethnicity, region and language has always been a
cause of concern for the internal security in India
and continue to seriously challenge the same. The
dilatory and ineffective judicial system with
inefficient, politicized and unprofessional police
system has not helped the matters either. Repeated
human rights violations taking place in the country,
either on account of the social fault-lines mentioned
above or most unfortunately by the instruments of
State itself have gravely impinged upon the internal
security in India.
In addition, there has been a crisis of governance in
the Nation caused by factors such as administrative
inefficiency, politico-criminal nexus, nepotism and
favouritism. The menace of corruption has
compounded the problems of governance even
further. The ever rising gap between the 'haves' and
the 'have nots' would have grave implications on
internal security. Crimes in today's world have
acquired huge proportions. The new challenges in
the form of cyber crime, counterfeit currency and
white-collar crimes have added new dimensions to
the concept of internal security, and necessitated
the need to evolve new strategies, and set up new
acts and machinery to deal with them.
It is in this backdrop the paper attempts to study the
challenges at hand, the responses being tried and
puts forth some possible responses to dispel the
feeling of entrenched insecurity amongst Indian
citizens. Let us try to understand these challenges
one by one.
Terrorism
India is widely accepted to be the most affected
country from terrorism, in terms of casualties,
duration of the challenges, types of terrorism and
their causes (Swaminathan, 2008 b.). In the recent
past several terrorist groups have been successful
in creating disorder, fomenting trouble, and
undermining public confidence (Chaturvedi, 2006,
pp. 284-285). The recent bomb attacks in Delhi,
Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Jaipur, Mumbai, Malegaon,
Varanasi, Hyderabad to name a few, bears testimony
to this growing menace. Enacting special laws is
touted as a policy response. However, our experience
with special laws dealing with terrorism, namely
Terrorists and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act
Abstract
Internal security in India has
been marred by feelings of
all pervasive deep
'Insecurity' amongst the
citizens. An overview of the
internal security in India
reveals many challenges
before the Nation, which
include terrorism across the
country and in J&K and
North-East in particular;
Naxalism with its growing
spatial spread and
consolidation;
communal violence;
casteism; dilatory and
ineffective criminal justice
system;
(TADA) of 1985 (repealed in 1995) and The Prevention
of Terrorism Act (POTA) of 2002 was not that good. It
is believed by many that both the laws resulted into
gross abuse of human rights during implementation
as these were used to suppress political opposition
and settle personal scores (Madhavan, 2008). The
conviction rate under these laws was also negligible
(Swaminathan, 2008 b.). It remains to be seen how
special law would minimize terrorism.
Inadequate policing is a major constraint in tackling
terrorism. India's law enforcement machinery is
severely under-staffed. The country's police-
population ratio, declined from 143 police per 100,000
citizens at the end of 2005, to 126 at the end of 2006
(Swaminathan, 2008 b.). In addition, the cutting edge
of police officers does not have technological edge,
lack expertise and motivation to deal with the threat
of terrorism (Kumar, Vinay, 2008).
Thus, the terrorist activities like the serial blasts are
causing deep insecurity in the Nation and the policy
responses have been weak and lack clarity.
Jammu & Kashmir
The State of Jammu & Kashmir has been witness to
large-scale violence over the last about two decades.
The role of our western neighbour has been one of
the significant factors in starting and then sustaining
the spate of violence in the State. More than 13, 000
civilians and 4, 000 security forces have lost their
lives (Government of India, 2008). However, the level
of violence has been witnessing a sliding trend
recently. There has been a significant decline in
incidents of violence (47 per cent), security men
killed (46 per cent) and civilians killed (66 per cent)
in the State of Jammu & Kashmir during the year
2007 as compared to the year 2006 (See Table 1).
This decline is much more significant over the period
between the years 2001 to 2007 with the incidents of
violence declining by huge 80 per cent; the number
of security forces killed declining by 85 per cent;
and the number of civilians killed reducing by
massive 86 per cent.
Table 1: Trends of Violence in Jammu & Kashmir
Years Incidents Security Civilians Terrorists
Forces Killed Killed
Killed
2001 4522 536 919 2020
2002 4038 453 1008 1707
2003 3401 314 795 1494
2004 2565 281 707 976
2005 1990 189 557 917
2006 1667 151 389 591
2007 887 82 131 358
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs, Annual Report
2006-2007, ANNEX-II, p. 143 and Annual Report 2007-
2008, p. 6
Similarly, estimated infiltration in the State has also
seen a rapid slide over the years. The reduction in
number of estimated infiltration from the year 2001
to 2006 stands at 1844, which is huge 76 per cent
decline (See Table 2).
Table 2: Estimated Infiltration in J & K
Year Total
2001 2417
2002 1504
2003 1373
2004 537
2005 597
2006 573
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs, Annual Report
2006-2007, ANNEX-II, p. 143
These significant reductions in terrorist incidents,
killings and infiltrations in the last six years or so
are a good indicator of the return of good old days of
peace and normalcy in the State. However, the
Amarnath Shrine land transfer dispute has disrupted
the peace process like never before, and polarization
of the State along communal lines seems to have
undone the peace efforts for some time to come. It
is hoped that the recent initiatives taken by the
government in commissioning the Baglihar Power
Internal (In) Security in India Challenges and Responses
politicization of the police;
politico-criminal nexus;
white collar crimes; crimes
against women to name a
few. Crisis of governance
marked by growing
corruption and poor Centre-
State coordination has
further compounded the
problems. The policy
responses to these
challenges have failed to
instill sense of security
amongst the citizens. In the
light of emerging challenges
facing internal security of
India, this paper attempts to
study the gravity of task at
hand, the responses
Project and opening of the Rajwansher to Anantnag
Railway Line may assuage the feelings of people in
the Valley.
North-East
The Nor th-Eastern Region has been witness to
violence of huge proportions. North-Eastern Region
is the most diverse part of the country. The religious,
linguistic and ethnic divides here are sharper and
the bonds of history, geography and culture not so
strong. The several insurgencies that have erupted
form a Compact Revolutionary Zone and a Red
Corridor from Pashupati in Nepal to Tirupati in Andhra
Pradesh is a serious challenge before our internal
security. With its growing spatial spread and
consolidation, it has acquired gigantic proportions.
A look at this menace reveals that there have been
7,812 incidents of naxal violence during the years
2003 to 2007 resulting in 3,132 deaths and it has
spread its vicious tentacles in as many as thirteen
States of the nation (See Table 4). The States of
Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand,
Maharashtra, Orissa and West Bengal in particular
face grave challenge from this menace.
Scale of violence as seen in Jehanabad Jail attack,
where in upto 600 naxalites took part, repeated
attacks on police stations and public functions
(including the killing of JMM MP, Sh. Sunil Mahto)
in this region have to be seen against this backdrop
(Sinha, 2007). All the States of North-East have been
experiencing violence for many decades. Within the
North-East, the States of Manipur, Assam, Nagaland
and Tripura have witnessed more violence than the
States of Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and
Meghalaya, which have, comparatively been
peaceful (See Table 3). A total of 2,855 incidents of
violence took place, in which 807 civilians lost their
lives in the entire North East Region over the two
year period of 2006-2007.
Signing of accords; announcing the surrender and
rehabilitation policies; and a three pronged strategy
of unified command, economic development and
psychological initiatives (Sinha, 2007, p. XXI) has
been tried in the North-East, particularly in Assam
in the past decade. Operation Samaritan, giving due
respect to Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi and making
Vashishta a tourist spot in Assam; and handing over
Kangla Fort back to the people of Manipur are some
of the psychological initiatives which have been
successfully tried and tested. Though, on the whole
the situation in North-East can be called anything
but normal.
Naxalism
Naxalism has emerged as the most potent threat to
the internal security in India. The aim of naxals to
Table 3: Violent Incidents and the Casualties in the North Eastern Region During the Years
2006 and 2007
Head Assam Meghalaya Tripura Arunachal Nagaland Mizoram Manipur
Pradesh
2006 07 2006 07 2006 07 2006 07 2006 07 2006 07 2006 07
Incidents 413 474 38 28 87 94 16 35 309 272 05 02 498 584
Extremists 752 759 112 85 196 303 23 53 203 211 848 21 1097 1443
Arrested/
Killed/
Surren-
dered
Security 32 27 00 01 14 06 00 05 02 01 00 00 28 39
Forces
Killed
Civilians 164 287 06 09 14 14 00 12 29 44 00 02 96 130
Killed
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs, Annual Report 2007-2008, ANNEXURE II, pp. 139-140
reveal a threat, which can subsume all earlier threats
to internal security taken together. Thus, we can see
that it has lost its regional connotations and has
acquired national proportions.
The Naxalism, to some extent, can be attributed to
the making the most of dissatisfaction and feelings
The policy responses, such as deployment of Rapid
Action Force, organizing Sarva Dharma Sambhav
Yatras and Flag March by Police are, as some say,
too little too late. Most of the times administration
remains in denial mode, and if at all an action is
taken, it is more so on political considerations.
Crisis of Governance
Today, India is facing a grave crisis of governance. The
most visible manifestation of this crisis is the failure of
police in enforcing rule of law, maintaining public order
or controlling crime (Chaturvedi, 2006). It is not difficult
to see and understand that only when the mainstream
channels of governance fail to deliver goods and
services, people search for alternative channels.
Naxalism and for that matter many forms of extremism
are the alternatives having emerged as a result of the
failure of mainstream channels of governance. The
argument though far fetched, nevertheless does point
out that governance remains a crucial factor for ensuring
internal security is concerned.
being tried and puts forth
possible responses to dispel
the feeling of entrenched
insecurity amongst Indian
citizens.
of perceived neglect and injustice among under-
privileged segments owing to functional inadequacy
of field level governance (Swaminathan, 2008 b.).
The attempts of government through joint anti-naxal
operations, announcing dialogue process and
involving Salwa Judum have been inconsistent in
the past and leave much scope for improvement.
Social Fault-lines
Indian society beneath its composite culture always
had and continues to have simmering social fault-
lines in the form of caste, ethnicity, religion, region
and linguistic concerns. Assertion of identity on
account of these factors and an attempt to alter the
established power equation has caused conflicts
between the underprivileged and the entrenched
forces. These fault-lines have erupted from time to
time, resulting into loss of lives, and ends up creating
more insecurity amongst Indians. The large-scale
communal violence in Delhi in 1984 and Gujarat
more recently, the incidents of violence resulting on
account of caste and sectarian reasons, the horrifying
scale of violation of human rights of women, recent
vandalisation of churches, perpetration of violence
and burning of houses in Karnataka and Orissa poses
serious challenge before our internal security.
Table 4: State-Wise Extent of Naxal Violence: 2003-2007
State 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Incidents Deaths Incidents Deaths Incidents Deaths Incidents Deaths Incidents Deaths
Andhra Pradesh 577 140 310 74 535 208 183 47 138 45
Bihar 250 128 323 171 186 96 107 45 135 67
Chhattisgarh 256 74 352 83 385 168 715 388 582 369
Jharkhand 342 117 379 169 312 119 310 124 482 157
Madhya Pradesh 13 1 13 4 20 3 6 1 9 2
Maharashtra 75 31 84 15 94 53 98 42 94 25
Orissa 49 15 35 8 42 14 44 9 67 17
Uttar Pradesh 13 8 15 26 10 1 11 5 9 3
West Bengal 6 1 11 15 14 7 23 17 32 6
Kerala 12 - 5 - - - 2 - 8 -
Karnataka 4 - 6 1 8 8 10 - 7 5
Haryana - - - - 2 - - - 1 -
Tamil Nadu - - - - - - - - 1 -
Total 1597 515 1533 566 1608 677 1509 678 1565 696
Source: Ministry of Home Affairs, Annual Report 2007-2008, ANNEX - IV, p. 142
The external factors could provide inspiration and
support to various groups that pose internal security
threats, only the pre-existence of the basic grievances
could make them functional (Swaminathan, 2008 a).
Extremism is not merely a Law and Order issue.
Development, or rather the lack of it, often has a
critical bearing, as do exploitation and iniquitous
socio-political circumstances (Singh, Manmohan,
2005). The only effective antidote to an insurgency is
the restoration of good government and order
(Guruswamy, 2006, p. 385). However, instead of 'Good
Governance', what we are witnessing is the withering
away of 'Governance' with administrative functiona-
ries kneeling down before their so-called political
masters. The politico-criminal nexus, manifested in the
politicization of the criminals and the criminalization
of the politics have also posed a significant challenge
before the internal security of India.
Corruption has remained a hydra-headed monster
and has fur ther compounded the process of
governance. The current state of corruption in the
country is not just a linear continuation but has
assumed critical proportions (Singh & Vaid, 2006).
No wonder, in terms of Corruption, we rank 85th out
of 180 countries on Transparency International's
recent Corruption Perceptions Index (Transparency
International, 2008). In such a corrupt scenario
internal security is the first casualty.
Crimes in India
Scientific and technological developments have
brought i n compl exi ti es and far-reachi ng
consequences in the realm of crime (Mohanty,
2006). Crime is becoming increasingly organized.
The unprecedented geographical extension of crime
in recent years and the very high degree of
i nterstate and i nternati onal coordi nati on
accompanying it has added a new dimension to
contemporary criminality (Kulkarni, 2004, p. 253).
The 21st Century is also witnessing an increased
convergence between organized crime and
terrorism with greater linkages to trans-national
organized crime groups. An inevitable fall-out of
modern economic development, this genre of crime
ranges from large-scale illegal business practices
and bank fraud, to money laundering and 'grand'
corruption (Choudhury, 2003).
A look at the crime rate in India reveals that a total of
51, 02, 460 cognizable crimes comprising of 18, 78,
293 Indian Penal Code crimes and 32, 24, 167 Special
and Local Laws crimes were reported in 2006
showing an increase of 1.5 per cent over 2005 (50,
26, 337). If we make the comparison between the
crimes in the years 2005 and 2006, we see that
Economic Crimes (73,881) have increased by 6.2
percent; Crime against Women both under IPC and
SLL (1,64,765) increased by 5.9%; Crime against
Scheduled Castes (27,070) by 3.6 per cent; Crime
against Scheduled Tribes (5, 791) increased by 1.4
%; Crime against Children (18,967) increased by
26.7 per cent. However, the cases (142) registered
under IT Act during the year 2006 showed a decline
of 20.7% from the year 2006 (179) (National Crime
Records Bureau, 2007) {See Table 5}.
Table 5: Crime Rate in India for the Years 2005 and 2006
Crimes 2005 2006 Percentage Change
Cognizable Crimes 50,26,337 51,02,460 +1.5
Indian Penal Code Crimes 18,22,602 18,78,293 +3.1
Special and Local Laws Crimes 32,03,735 32,24,167 +0.63
Economic Crimes 69,580 73,881 +6.2
Crimes Against Women 1, 55,553 1,64,765 +5.9
Crimes Against Scheduled castes 26,127 27,070 +3.6
Crimes Against Scheduled Tribes 5,713 5,791 +1.4
Crimes Against Children 14,975 18,967 +26.7
Cyber Crimes 179 142 -20.7
Source: Compiled from different Sections of Crime In India 2006, National Crime Records Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs
Crimes in today's world have acquired inter-state
proportions and overcoming them requires close
cooperation between all the states in India.
Unfortunately, the poor Centre-State coordination has
been a detrimental factor in ensuring peace and
harmony.
Crimes against Women
In the male dominated society, women have been
victims of violence and exploitation. India being a
tradition bound society, women have been socially,
economically, physically, psychologically and
sexually exploited for centuries (Paranjape, N.V.,
2008, pp. 168-169). Though our Constitution
guarantees equality, freedom, oppor tunity and
protection of women, domestic violence still resides
in the country (Goel, 2007). According to National
Family Health Survey, about one-third women in the
15-49 age group face physical violence and one-
tenth sexual violence. About 37 per cent of married
women are victim of domestic violence, while 25
per cent suffered physical or sexual violence at the
hands of their husbands in the 12 months preceding
the survey (Chauhan, 2007).
Cyber Crime and White Collar Crimes
In addition to the many traditional crimes, we have
been challenged by a host of newer versions of
crime. The advent of computer technology has
opened up a vast new arena for committing criminal
activities (Sahai, 2004). Financial frauds, cyber
pornography, online gambling, intellectual property
crimes, e-mail spoofing, stalking, phishing, hacking
etc. all come under the umbrella term "cyber crime"
(Paranjape, 2007). Cyber Crime poses new
challenges as the agencies to investigate such
crimes lack the skills to do their job and poor
policeman does not know what to do. Financial
swindling and bungling also requires change in the
traditional methods of investigation. Counterfeit
currency has also emerged as potent threat to India's
internal security. Destabilization of Indian Economy
at a crucial period of its growth would be the last
thing we should expect, and that is precisely what
the forces inimical to India's emergence have been
trying. The financial cost of white collar crime is
probably several times greater than that of all the
crimes taken together (Paranjape, N.V., 2008, p. 129).
In reality, the impact of such crimes is so great that
it poses a serious threat to personal as well as public
security. The policy response in the form of
Information Technology Act, 2000 and Money
Laundering legislations have been made, but have
not been effective in the absence of lack of training
amongst the investigating agencies, to deal with
these new types of crimes.
Dilatory/Ineffective Criminal Justice
System
Recently, we came across incidents of mob violence
in Bihar. It was an 'instant justice' by an 'unforgiving
mob'. Psychologists attribute this trend to growing
intolerance and insecurity, which manifests itself in
the form of aggression. It is a reaction against the
crime as well as the administration. People are
taking law into their own hands as they either do not
trust the system or just want to vent their frustration
(Kumar, Arun, 2007). Even the Supreme Court has
acknowledged that people take law into their hands
because they feel that justice will not be done due to
inordinate delay in judicial proceedings (Prakash,
2007). The poor state of criminal justice is not only
due to the failures of the police department but the
judiciary and the prisons also bear equal blame
(Verma, 2006). Many of the persons who are lodged
in the prisons are not dangerous or violent. Rather,
they have family support and families to support.
Perhaps, they have become victims of
circumstances. The large numbers of under trials
lodged in the various jails of the country remain in
jail for a much longer period than the maximum
punishment under the law for the crime committed
(Hazra, 2004, p. 490).
Politicization/Non-Professional
Approach of Police
Police has come under severe criticism from all
quarters. Their non-professional approach, poor
attitude, lack of courtesy, and the human rights
violations which they commit has resulted in people
fearing Police, causing more insecurity amongst the
Indian citizens. The existing attitude, behaviour and
use of third degree methods by the Police are
attributed to its foundation as a ruthless machinery
to crush freedom struggle (Shah, 1988). Barring few
exceptions, Police Reforms have not been on the
agenda of policy makers. The political interference
is manifested in appointments, transfers and
promotions of police personnel which affect their
initiative and efficiency (Tandon, 2007). Also non-
registration of cases continues to be a serious
problem (Singh, Prakash, 2008). In a situation where
honest, hard working officers are summarily
transferred and those who have political connections
reap the benefits, the police is bound to display
organizational disarray, and the feeling of
lawlessness will prevail when political parties begin
to shield and enroll criminal elements in their
primary ranks, and plays havoc with the professional
officers within the police (Verma, 1999). Police has
to modernize and tune itself with the new information
technology, and take lessons from developed
countries in this direction (Mishra, 2006).
Violation of Human Rights
Police violence has been an issue of great concern
to the society. The incidents of custodial violence as
well as other atrocities affect the law and order fabric,
peace, tranquility and the life pattern of the
mainstream population. Police crimes associated
with violence dampen the common man's feeling
regarding safety and security of the society (Fatima,
2003). Fake encounters staged by the police officers
are illegal and has rightly landed some of them in a
sea of trouble. It is, however, a fact that false
encounters are at times staged by police officers
because there is pressure by the political masters
to show quick results. There is public support also
for tough action against the criminals who are
escaping conviction and getting away scot-free
because of malfunctioning of the criminal justice
system. The fact of the matter is that encounters are
not the problem but the symptoms of a collapsing
system of justice (Sen, 2007). There is an obsession
of the State governments and the top brass of the
police departments with crime statistics. As long
this obsession exists, third degree methods shall
continue (Nirmal, 1992).
Other Challenges
The challenges to our internal security, in addition to
those mentioned above, include VIP security, border
management, the problem of refugees, drug
trafficking, disaster management, food security,
economic security, energy security etc.
These challenges have the potential to severely
threaten our security fabric. Overcoming these
innumerable challenges to internal security in India
requires clear, tough and swift policy responses.
Policy Organ of Internal Security
The most important policy organ looking after the
internal security is the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Though in terms of Entries No. 1 and 2 of List II -
'State List' - in the Seventh Schedule to the
Constitution of India, 'public order' and 'police' are
responsibilities of States, Ar ticle 355 of the
Constitution enjoins the Union to protect every State
against the external aggression and internal
disturbance and to ensure that the government of
every State is carried in accordance with the
provisions of the Constitution (Bakshi, 2002; and
Government of India, 2008). In pursuance of these
obligations, the Ministry of Home Affairs extends
manpower and financial support, guidance and
expertise to the State Governments for maintenance
of security, peace and harmony without trampling
upon the constitutional rights of the States. The
Ministry has six constituent departments of which
Department of Internal Security is the most important
(Government of India, 2008). It deals with Police,
Central Police Forces, internal security and law &
order, insurgency, terrorism, naxalism, Inter
Services Intelligence (ISI) activities, rehabilitation,
grant of visa and other immigration matters, security
clearances, etc. Department of States, Department
of Jammu & Kashmir Affairs and Department of
Border Management are the other departments,
which assume critical importance towards internal
security of India. These departments are further
divided into 19 divisions (Government of India, 2008).
The policy responses to the internal security
challenges being undertaken by the Government of
India in general and Union Ministry of Home Affairs
in particular include signing accords; surrender and
rehabilitation policies; economic development and
announcement of packages; formation of unified
command; joint anti-naxal operations; deployment
of additional forces; psychological initiatives;
promise of good governance; adoption of certain
confidence building measures (CBMs); modernizing
State Police Forces; strengthening intelligence
agencies, etc. These Policy responses, however,
have failed to instill a sense of security amongst the
citizens, who continue to feel insecure.
Suggestions & Possible Policy
Responses
The following suggestions and possible policy
responses have been put forth to dispel the feeling
of entrenched insecurity amongst Indian citizens:
Good Governance: The cause of Terrorism can
be attributed to a host of factors, but a
fundamental factor leading to terrorism and
violence is the governance. In view of it, it is
suggested that the Paradigm of Good
Governance be ushered in, strictly
implemented, and regularly monitored by
involving the civil society. Good Governance
may not emerge as the panacea to terrorism, but
it would act as an antidote that would certainly
curb the factors, which lead to its growth.
Federal Investigating Agency: Observing the
scale of violence and organized crime being
perpetrated today, the issue of Inter-State and
Intra-State Coordination assumes paramountcy.
There is an immediate need to establish a
Federal Investigating Agency on the lines of FBI
to tackle the problems, such as terrorism,
naxalism, gun running and counterfeit currency
to name a few. In other word, some agency
which can connect the dots to come up with the
big picture.
Maintain Database: There is a need to maintain
a database for all citizens, with records of their
profession, birthplace, residential address and
foreign visits. This would help in better
identification and analysis of the internal
security situation at hand.
Free and Fair Elections in J&K: The State of
Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed the spiral of
violence for over 16 years now. Free and fair
elections in which the resident of J&K expresses
his/her choice and makes its voice heard is
absolutely essential and so is the need to have
better border management, and curbing the
administrative inefficiency, par ticularly the
corruption.
North-East is no Homogeneous Entity: It has
unfortunately, not been understood by the policy
makers, even today that North-East is not a
homogeneous entity. Each State of North-East
has different set of problems; no wonder policy
responses dealing with the insurgency in the
region have yielded poor results. Each State in
the region have different kind of reasons for
violence, and a single policy address for
different set of issues will serve no purpose.
Proactive and Sustained Measures for
Naxalism: Of late and thankfully, Naxalism has
been identified as the single most potent threat
to internal security in India. A 'blow hot', 'blow
cold' strategy has been the bane of internal
security policy making. Proactive and sustained
hard measures need to be taken and that requires
long-term clear policy. Modernization of
weapons, providing our forces with Mine
Protection Vehicles (MPVs) and working with
the local population for speedy implementation
of land reforms, the assurance of tribal rights to
forest produce, implementation of development
projects and spread of mass education and
health facilities are all important steps which
needs to be taken.
Concept of PURA: The ever growing gap
between 'haves' and 'have nots', between the
Urban India and Rural Bharat is not sustainable
in the long run. The fruits of impressive
economic growth measured in terms of GDP
have failed to percolate down to the Bharat. There
is a grave threat to the internal security
originating from this gap. The concept of
Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas
(PURA) as propounded by Former President A.
P. J. Abdul Kalam needs to be immediately
implemented.
Police Reforms and Sensitization: Police as
an organization and policing as a set of functional
activities needs immediate attention of policy
makers. There is a need for strong political will
to usher in police reforms. There has been
significant movement on this front after many
years, thanks to Supreme Court directive of 22
nd
September, 2006. But, even now States are
making attempt to curtail it as much as possible.
There is also need to sensitize police personnel
about human rights and gender issues.
Disaster Management: Over the past few
years, India has been witness to many
disasters, particularly man made ones. The
energies of internal security experts as well as
agencies have been diverted to a large extent
to meet these challenges. As a result, the
emphasis and focus on internal security has
been hampered. This tendency has to be curbed,
and dedicated personnel for disaster
management must ensure that internal security
is not hampered.
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WiFi Network - A Challenge to
Security Agencies
Gurcharan Singh*
Introduction
Ever hear the saying ''the more things change the
more thing stay the same?'' Consider the not-too-
distant past when people used modems and dialup
connections, which popularized wardialing
applications like ToneLoc and Modemscan through
which Hacker/attacker dials a number inside an
organization's network, to gain access to systems
behind the organization's firewall or perimeter
defenses. Administrators fought back by restricting
the hours that modems were on, started using
callback systems, and added caller ID. Then came
the move to the earl y I nternet. The same
methodology of wardialing was switched over to
por t scanning. The attacker used this newer
technology as a way to search for access to a
vulnerable system. Administrators were forced to
add firewalls, intrusion detection and filter access
at the edge of the network.
Today, many networks have switched over to
wireless being an inexpensive method to add
connectivity for local users. Attackers see wireless
in the same way that the previous technologies were
viewed. Wireless wardriving tools can be used to
connect to unsecured networks or tools can be used
in an attempt to break weak encryption. Again,
administrators and the security agencies must be
prepared enough to respond to the threat.
Wireless Network
The term wireless can apply to many things, such
as cell phones, cordless phones, global positioning
systems (GPS), AM/FM radio, LAN wireless
systems, or WAN wireless systems, to name a
few.
The wireless network is rapidly replacing wired
options, especially as new standards for wireless
broadband are being implemented by networking
vendors. Wireless networking brings great benefit
in areas like temporary installations, in buildings
where wiring is logistically difficult, or in locations
such as college campuses or airports where users
are not likely to do all of their computing in one fixed
spot. Secure wireless networks have also become
common in healthcare applications, transportation,
supermarkets and warehousing. Wireless network
security must, however, be a primary concern when
rolling out a wireless network.
A wireless network setup is easier to use, and less
costly than a traditional LAN, but there are some
serious security issues that must be addressed.
Appropriate wireless network security will overcome
these limitations. An important element of wireless
network security is to provide strong authentication
and access control at the application layer. Wireless
network security and wireless networks are still
comparatively young, and many organizations are
still struggling with these security issues.
WiFi Network
There are cases in the recent past where the terrorist
organizations have used the unsecured WiFi
networks in sending the threatening emails before
the bomb blast took place in Delhi and Gujarat.
In view of the WiFi network/connection, it is not easy
for the security agencies to trace the origination of
such emails. During the Ahmadabad serial blasts
investigation, it was found that terrorist out, fit Indian
Mujahideen had allegedly intercepted and hacked
the computer of Kenneth Haywood, a US citizen
residing in Sanpada, a Mumbai suburb.
Key Words
WiFi Network, Modems,
Dialup, Wardialing, Caller
ID, Port Scanning, Wireless
Wardialing Tools, Wireless
Signals, Wireless Access
Point, MAC Filtering,
Encryption of Data, ISPS,
TRAI
*Faculty for Cyber Crimes at
CDTS, Chandigarh
Mob-9815607926
Telefax - 0172-2660312
WiFi Network - A Challenge to Security Agencies
In another incident, an unsecured Wi-Fi network from
Chembur based Kamran Powers Control Private
Limited was used by terrorists for posting emails
after the New Delhi blasts on September 13, 2008.
Also, a Wi-Fi network was traced from Mumbai's
Khalsa College, where an email was sent to a media
house by members of IM and had threatened to kill
police officers involved in the investigation.
The Mumbai Police is undertaking a massive move
to crack down unsecured Wi-Fi connections and
networks in the city. The move comes after last year's
two major terror incidents, including the Ahmedabad
serial blasts and Mumbai attacks, where the
terrorists had used Internet and communication
networks in their operations.
How to Secure Wireless ?
Securing wireless is a challenge, but it can be
accomplished. Wireless signals do not stop at the
outer walls of the facility. Wireless is accessible by
many more individuals than have access to your
wired network. Although we look at some specific
tools and techniques used to secure wireless, the
general principle is the same as those used in wired
networks. It is the principle of defense in depth.
Defense in Depth
Defense in depth is about building many layers of
protection, such as the following:
Encrypting data so that it is hidden from
unauthorized individuals
Limiting access based on least privilege
Providing physical protection and security to
the hardware
Using strong authentication to verify the identity
of the users who access the network employing
layers of security controls to limit the damage
should one layer of security be overcome.
Some switches and Wireless Access Points
can perform MAC filtering. MAC filtering uses
the MAC address assigned to each network
adapter to enable or block access to the network.
Site Surveys
The site surveys may also be performed to gather
enough information to determine whether the client
has the right number and placement of Access Points
to provide adequate coverage throughout the facility.
It is also important to check and see how far the
signal radiates outside of the facility.
The six basic steps of a site survey are as follows:
Obtain a facility diagram.
Visually inspect the facility.
Identify user areas.
Use site-survey tools to determine primary
access locations and check that no rogue
Access Points are in use.
After the installation of Access Points, verify
their signal strength and range.
Document your findings, update the policy, and
inform users of rules regarding wireless
connectivity. Misuse Detection/Intrusion
detection systems (IDSs) have a long history
of use in wired networks to detect misuse and
flag possible intrusions and attacks. Because
of the increased numbers of wireless networks,
more options are becoming available for
wireless intrusion detection.
Finally Wireless Access Points should be configured
in such a way that proper logs are maintained.
The Telephone Regulatory Authority of India is also
examining a series of measures to have security
processes in place to protect such networks.
TRAI Recommendations
TRAI began studying open WiFi networks after the
Ahmedabad blasts and will soon issue
recommendations for proper authentication and
maintenance of such networks. Impor tantly,
following the 21 blasts in Ahmedabad on July 26,
which killed 55 and injured 100, TRAI had asked the
government to direct all Internet Service Providers
(ISPs) to instruct their customers to have 'proper
authentication measures' so that this facility is not
misused. "All ISPs may be instructed to ensure that
Abstract
The wireless network is
rapidly replacing wired
options, especially as new
standards for wireless
broadband are being
implemented by networking
vendors. Wireless
networking brings great
benefit in areas like
temporary installations,
in buildings where wiring is
logistically difficult, or in
locations such as college
campuses or airports where
users are not likely to do all
of their computing in one
fixed spot. Secure wireless
their subscribers using wireless devices must use
effective authentication mechanisms and permit
access to internet to only authorized persons using
wireless devices," the regulator said in its earlier
communication to the DoT. The Internet Service
Providers of India, the industry body representing
all ISPs, said that so far the government had not
issued any directives to act towards securing open
WiFi networks.
New Norms
The Government is examining the possibility of
issuing new norms which will held unsecured WiFi
connections illegal. Besides, the ISPs will also be
asked to ensure that customers access the internet
over a WiFi connection only through a password.
WiFi networking companies may also be asked to
limit WiFi signal right down to a defined radius by
installing access points around the signal. The
depar tment of telecom and the depar tment of
information technology will work with the Home
Ministry and intelligence agencies on this issue.
The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team
(CERT-In) is also helping the government issue new
norms on WiFi security. It is not clear if these
agencies will await the recommendations of TRAI.
networks have also become
common in healthcare
applications, transportation,
supermarkets and
warehousing. Wireless
network security must,
however, be a primary
concern when rolling out a
wireless network.
Mandatory Password Protection
Security agencies have requested the government
to ask all ISPs to make password protection
mandatory for every customer using a WiFi
network. This has also been endorsed by the Home
Ministry.
Whereas the ISPs are of the opinion that it is the
customers who are to ensure the proper security of
the use of WiFi. All ISPs are installing AAA servers
and firewalls. But, if we the recent threatening/terror
mails have been sent from hacked or open WiFi
accounts - and as an ISP perspective, nothing can
be done to this front. The people need to be educated
how securely the WiFi can be used and the ISP may
be made responsible to maintain proper logs and
apply MAC address filtering to allow the authorized
user to use the net.
References
i. Economic Times dated 17 Sept, 2008
ii. CIOL New Report dated Jan 15, 2009
iii. Chapter-9 of Handbook on "Build Your Own
Security Lab: A Field Guide for Network
Testing"
Peacekeeping and
UNCIVPOL
R.R. Bhatnagar,* IPS
Introduction
Peacekeeping has emerged as the major tool used
by the United Nations to maintain international peace
and security. UN peacekeeping Missions are
deployed on the basis of mandates from the Security
Council. Peacekeeping has come a long way from
the limited monitoring and stabilizing missions of
the Cold War era to the multi-functional integrated
missions today. They ensure the implementation of
comprehensive peace agreements and lay the
foundations of self sustaining peace. As the nature
of conicts has changed, it has been increasingly
deployed in intrastate conflicts and civil wars. With
the responsibility to protect and humanitarian
intervention having been almost universally
accepted, peacekeeping has seen a new resurgence.
The concept of the sovereignty of the state is under
stress. The war on terror has had its own
ramifications.
Peacekeeping vs. Peace Enforcement
Peacekeeping today is used in conjunction with
peace-building and peace-making activities. Peace
enforcement is the more robust arm to deal with
spoilers, insurgents or even terrorists.
In the nineties, UN peacekeeping credibility was
challenged by failures in Rwanda, Bosnia, Somalia
and Sierra Leone, leading to the UN commissioning
a review headed by Lakhdar Brahimi who stressed
the need for more robust operations. The
peacekeepers have to project credible force and
distinguish between the victim and the aggressor.
Today the mandates authorise the use of force and
the use of all necessary means in self defence and
in defence of the mandate. Today's missions in
Congo, Haiti, Liberia etc. are well equipped to deal
with armed spoilers. Neutrality does not mean
inaction anymore.
UN Missions have also been criticised for having
near perpetual life and no credible exit strategy. It
however, has to be realized that force alone cannot
create peace. It can only create the space for the
international and local communities to build peace.
Re-constructing strife-torn societies with failed
governments is not a simple task and requires
extensive peace keeping and peace building efforts,
to create the local capacities for sustainable peace.
UN peacekeeping eftorts are sometimes accused
of partisan leanings and being susceptible to the
pressures of the hedgemonistic super powers. These
accusations have been made regarding East Timor,
South Africa, Rwanda, Kosovo and Haiti among
others. While the UN has a legal framework for
intervention which is fairly transparent, yet it has to
be understood that some of the failings of the UN are
indeed the failure of the international community to
come to a consensus regarding the need and type of
intervention required. It cannot be said that
peacekeeping has no political context.
Multi-Functional Integrated Mission
Today the inter-relationship between security and
development is well recognised. The way ahead
appears to be through multi-functional integrated
mission which seeks to help the countries in the
transition from war to lasting peace by a system-
w-ie UN response with an overall political strategic
framework involving national and regional factors.
There has been a doctrinal shift in the use of the UN
civilian police in peacekeeping missions. It is
interesting to study the evolution of the UNPOL which
has led to an expanded role with deployment in higher
numbers for the civilian police.
Key Words
Peacekeeping, Security
Council, Mandate,
Comprehensive Peace
Agreement, Civil War,
Intrastate Conflicts,
UNPOL, UNCIVIPOL,
Multifunctional, Civilian
Police
*Ex-Director, National Police Mission
BPR&D, MHA and IGP (Pers.), U.P.
In the aftermath of a civilian conflict, there have often
been problems of high public insecurity and
lawlessness soon after the ceasefire. In this
transition period, there have been surges in crime
as in El Salvador, Mozambique, Kosovo, Liberia and
Haiti. The local capacity to meet these challenges in
most cases is severely depleted. There is also the
problem of bridging the security gap between the
military and the civilian police deployments. This
period has to be effectively dealt with by civilian
police operations to help the war-tom society restore
conditions for social, economic and political stability.
Increasing Demand for UNPOL
The demand for UNPOL has increased drastically
from a paltry 35 UN police officers deployed in 1988
to roughly 16000 world-wide today. The missions
have evolved from monitoring, mentoring and
training to interim law enforcement, security support
to national police and law enforcement agencies
and assistance for reform, restructuring and
rebuilding of national police and law enforcement
agencies. The objectives to be achieved and an
acceptable level of Law & order and internal security
to start the reform process for establishing a self-
sustaining indigenous criminal justice system based
on democratic policing principles and the protection
of human rights.
Historically and till very recently most peacekeeping
mission were military oriented with a limited role
for the police. It is now being realized that issues
such as restoring the rule of Law, freedom of
movement and Civil order as well as normalizing
the political economic and social orders in a post-
conflict environment are far beyond the scope of
the military component in a peace operation. Thus,
there has emerged a pressing need for expanding
the police missions as it is the appropriate instrument
for establishing law & order and public security even
in the initial stages of post conflict peacekeeping,
and establish the rule of law which is fundamental
to lasting and self-sustaining peace.
Comprehensive Mandate
As the UNPOL requirements and role evolved so
have the mandates. Initially there was ambiguity
and confusion in the mandates and the situation on
the ground. In Cambodia, it was found that it was
way beyond the capacity of the limited unarmed
police monitors to fulfil the mandate of having the
local police under the missions supervision or
control. The mandates were interpreted by the
peacekeepers in the field as per their own
understanding and the expedient requirements of the
local situation. In the nineties in Haiti and Cambodia,
it was realized that it was not possible to reform the
police without commensurate reform in the criminal
justice and correctional systems. Today, for example
in the case of Sudan, the mandates are more
comprehensive and consistent.
A major problem in the field is that police units unlike
military units have individual officers who come from
all par ts of the world with very difterent law
enforcement experience and culture, training and
abilities. In Kosovo, there were 53 nationalities
represented. Forging an effective and efficient
international police force is no mean task specially
in unstable and unfamiliar environments. This is
compounded by having to work with the dysfunctional
and suspect indigenous police force. Short periods
of secondment by the Police lending countries
(PCCs) further compound the problem.
The issues of structure, command & control,
personnel placement also lead to sub optimal
utilization of resources. Lack of an effective
intelligence system and inadequate strength is a
real problem. Improper rotation policies and
inadequate handing over procedures lead to a lack
of institutional memory.
Doctrinal & Strategical Ambiguity
There is also a lack of clear doctrine and strategies
for UNPOL activities, planning for the police
components of new missions, recruiting and
deploying qualified officers in a timely manner and
measuring progress once in the field.
Recently, the conduct of international peacekeepers
has drawn adverse attention. The UN has, however,
responded quickly and taken stringent measures
specially regarding sexual offences and declared a
zero tolerance policy.
Abstract
India is the seventh largest
contributor to UNPOL. There
is immense potential for
increasing both qualitatively
and quantitatively the Indian
contribution to UNPOL as
the Indian police has vast
experience of the type of
problems that the police
faces in such missions.
India has an established
rule of law respecting
human rights with
democratic policing.
A major problem is the
deployment lead time in
which after the Security
Council Resolution, the
police officers are actually
deployed to the field.
The UNPOL has demonstrated a capacity to reform
with the Brahimi repor t being a landmark. It
suggested a doctrinal shift in the use of civilian police
and related rule of law elements in peace operations
that emphasizes a team approach to upholding the
rule of law and respect for human rights and helping
communities coming out of a conflict to to achieve
national reconciliation, consolidation of disarnament,
demobilization and reintegration programmes.
There have been structural changes in the
headquarters to strengthen the DPKO and the CIVPOL
unit. There has been the introduction of the Standing
Police Capacity though with an inadequate strength of
25 for effective planning, cohesion and faster
implementation on the ground for new missions. The
UNPOL has increased its reliance on robust FPUs to
maintain law & order and provide security. Since 2003,
the mandates of most new UN peace operations have
included support for rebuilding local criminal justice
capacity. This change has been reflected in UN staffing
tables and missions plans. Standardised Training
Modules have been created for uniform capacity
building in contributing countries.
Integrated Training
The need for integrated training for peacekeeping
has now been recognized. The Integrated Training
Service (ITS) was formed on 1 November 2005. A
new department ofField Support has been recently
created to work in conjunction with DPKO.
A significant reform to address the lack of
institutional memory was the establishment of the
Peacekeeping Best Practices Section in 2003.
There has, however, not been much progress in
creating the National pool of police officers for ready
call. The unified criminal code and criminal procedure
code that can be initially followed in executive
missions where the local statutes are substantially
inadequate and inappropriate, is not yet available.
On the whole, UNPOL has shown an ability to
recognize its shortcomings and make efforts to
reform itself.
The mix of personnel coming to UNPOL has changed
substantially with the contribution of the South Asia
and African regions becoming predominant. The lack
of commitment of the countries which do not have a
democratic culture, poor representation of the
developed world in the police forces in the main hot
spots, specially Africa, is a cause of concern. It is
encouraging to note that regional competencies are
being built up. If one analyses the overall increase
in the UNPOL numbers, one finds that basically the
increase since 2001 has been because of the rise in
the number of FPUs. In fact, the number of individual
police officers has decreased which is a matter of
concern. The rise in the FPUs should have come at
the expense of reduction in the military components.
India : 7th Largest Contributor
India is the seventh largest contributor to UNPOL.
There is immense potential for increasing both
qualitatively and quantitatively the Indian contribution
to UNPOL as the Indian police has vast experience
of the type of problems that the police faces in such
missions. India has an established rule of law
respecting human rights with democratic policing.
A major problem is the deployment lead time in
which after the Security Council Resolution, the police
officers are actually deployed to the field. Such delayed
deployment result in the situation deteriorating
substantially making the peacekeeping task much
more complex. Efforts are being made to reduce
this from nearly six to nine months to weeks. The
creation of the standing police capacity is a step in
the right direction. Creation of regional competences
will help, though not much progress has been made
in creating the 'national pools' for call at short notice.
UNPOL has evolved primarily in the last two decades
after the end of the cold war. The reform process is
well underway, however, much needs to be done.
Conclusion
As per the Human Security Report, 2005, there has
been a dramatic decrease in the number of conflicts
down to 40 percent since the early 1990s. The number
of mass killings has fallen 80 percent since the late
1980. The numbers of armed secessionist conflicts
going on in 2004 were 25, the lowest since 1976.
Fewer wars are starting and even more important
many old wars are ending, specially in Africa. The
Balkans, Angola, Congo, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Liberia
and Cyprus are more stable today. Thus, the world
appears to be more secure than in the last century.
Such delayed deployment
results into the situation
deteriorating substantially
making the peacekeeping
task much more complex.
Efforts are being made to
reduce this from nearly six
to nine months to weeks.
The creation of the standing
police capacity is a step in
the right direction. Creation
of regional competences
will help, though not much
progress has been made in
creating the 'national pools'
for call at short notice.
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Key Words
CRPF, Largest Para Military,
Multidimensional Role
Varied Rules, CI Operations,
Continuous Deployment and
Engagement in Conflict
Zones, Emerging patterns,
Priority Areas, In house
Issues, Preparedness,
Parameters of strategy,
Stabilising Role, Integral to
Peace and Prosperity.
Envisioning CRPF Preparedness
To Tackle Emerging And Developing
Internal Security Threats
A View Point
R. Jay Kumar*
Introduction
The CRPF today is the largest of all the Para Military
Forces and it is playing a pivotal role in upholding
the unity and integrity of the nation. Entrusted with
the responsibility of the maintenance of Internal
Security as its mandate, the Force is deployed
throughout the length and breadth of the country with
varied role and tasks. Be it tackling cross-border
Jihadi terrorism in J&K, countering multiple
insurgencies in North East or tackling the Maoist
Left Wing movement, the Force has become so
dependable for the States that the demand is
increasing day by day.
Today, CRPF remains the main Force in the conduct
of elections, managing congregations of faith,
protecting VIPs and securing critical national assets.
The RAF is often requisitioned to deal with grave
and emergent riot situations, and to restore law and
order. The Force has been in the forefront of Peace
Keeping missions in places like Haiti, Kosovo,
Liberia, etc. The Mahila battallions have earned a
name for themselves in protecting vulnerable groups
in conflict zones. The CRPF unit's specialised
response during recent disasters and calamities
have been warmly appreciated. Notwithstanding to
this sustained per formance since 1939, it is
important to ponder over on how CRPF need to
prepare itself in coming days and this is so because
the nature of conflict has become all the more tech-
savvy and complicated.
The paper is divided into three parts namely :
Emerging patterns of conflicts for CRPF
In house issues that CRPF needs to be pondered
over
Parameters of envisioned strategy
Emerging Patterns & Conflicts
It is imperative that preparedness of CRPF as a
parameter is also integral to India's progress in
coming years. The issues and matters will have a
direct and indirect bearing on the working of CRPF.
The turmoil in the Indian subcontinent will continue
and non-State actors will play a destabilising role.
The emerging modes of conflict and contours of
internal security clearly indicate that greater
challenges are in store for CRPF in coming years.
An attempt to have a probing insight about the
prevailing and emerging conflict zones in which
CRPF will be regularly requisitioned is analysed
ensuing paragraphs.
Jammu & Kashmir
With 41% of CRPF deployment in J&K, this conflict
zone demands special attention. Grave risks loom
large in J&K and the autonomous capacities of the
cross border terrorist groups, complimented with
role of neighbouring covert agencies will continue
to test CRPF. With CRPF fully in the charge of CI grid,
we need to prepare a long-term strategy in
conjunction with state agencies.
*DC, 122 BN CRPF,
Andheria Mor, New Delhi
The survival of insurgent groups in various states of
northeast especially, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland,
Tripura, Meghalaya with their current or marginally
augmented strengths, the defence of their spheres
of influence, growing internecine strifes and
management of the networks of extortion have
become ends in themselves. The migration spill over
from Bangladesh will complicate the matters further
more. The days of normalcy appear a distant dream
and CRPF engagement in north east will continue
incessantly.
Maoist violence is spreading fast at an alarming
pace and its consolidation in the hinterland is an
undeniable fact. The movement in all likelihood will
continue to sustain its vigour and may penetrate into
urban population, especially in slum areas of large
cities. The present social and economic conditions
in the "Naxal catchment" areas augurs well for its
territorial consolidation. The retreat of governance
in such areas is the major concern. Securitising
development which is inclusive of the interests of
the local population in the improvised areas should
be given top priority. Given the trajectory of the Maoist
violence, it is going to be a battle of patience and
wits, which demands CRPF to formulate a balance
of preservation and initiatives.
ISI & Homebred Jihadis
The growing detection and neutralisation of ISI
cells and also homebred jihadi modules within
the Nation and their involvement in subversive
activities indicate the type of serious threat that
the network is going to pose in coming days.
These threats have to be handled with region
specific strategies.
Communal Faultlines
Communal, caste and ethnic consciousness is
threatening to unfold new season of militancy. The
main battleground may shift to cities, particularly in
the heart of India and the terrorist objectives would
be to deepen the communal divide and trigger a
backlash. The recent spurt in conversion related
violence is an indicator of growing assertion of
vested groups.
Non-Conventional Weapons
The possibility and projected future of chemical,
biological and radiological, weapons by terrorist
groups cannot be ruled out and securing the nation
from these threats demand continuous preparation
and readiness.
Convergence of Terrorism & Crime
CRPF will be called to control the increasing
convergence between terrorist groups and organised
crime, which has already led to a spurt in extortions,
kidnappings for ransom, land grabbing, gun running,
counterfeiting, illicit trafficking in women, children,
human organs, narcotic trade, etc.
Cyber Criminals
Though cyber criminals have not yet struck in a
large way causing any major concern, India can
hardly remain complacent. The response strategy
has to be put in place.
Bio-Degradation
Natural asset scarcity due to degradation and
depletion of resources, increased consumption due
to over population and uneven distribution are the
three principal facets of ecological threats in the
future and this necessitates CRPF to be aware of the
linkage between the environment and security, and
consequently its security planning.
CRPF as the 'federal police organ' should be prepared
for a variety of dispute and conflict, which will erupt
because of the growing scarcity of water as a source
of conflict within the states, causing political and
social instability.
Management of disasters, either man-made or
natural is a key to stable internal security and
effective handling calls for enhanced preparation,
expertise and experience. The CRPF should be ready
to tackle these threats.
Though not a comprehensive list of emerging modes
of conflict, CRPF with its primary role as principal
counter-insurgency Force should be ready to tackle
these conflicts.
Abstract
The CRPF today is the
largest of all the Para
Military Forces and it is
playing a pivotal role in
upholding the unity and
integrity of the nation.
Entrusted with the
responsibility of the
maintenance of Internal
Security as its mandate, the
Force is deployed
throughout the length and
breadth of the country with
varied role and tasks. Its
role in tackling terrorism in
J & K countering insurency
in North East, mounting into
Naxal operations is a known
phenomenon. Besides the
growing demand,
dependence on CRPF to
conduct elections, maintain
law and order, combat
Envisioning CRPF Preparedness toTackle Emerging and
Developing Internal Security Threats A View Point
With growing complexity of challenges and
deepening link with external environment and
i nabi l i t y of St at e Pol i ce organi sat i ons t o
effectively deal with existing and emerging
challenges, what sor t of preparations that CRPF
need to under take ?
Reassessment of Deployment & Utility
Pattern
The present utilisation of CRPF in the backdrop of
federal polity structure and the scenario of multi
faceting challenges makes it inevitable for policy
makers, to reassess the mode of deployment and
utility pattern that CRPF could be subjected to in
coming days. The phenomenon of overworking and
overstretched deployment in CRPF needs to be
arrested. The "reserve" nature is totally eroded
because of continuous deployment pattern.
What should be the priority areas of CRPF
upgradation in infrastructure, training, technology,
etc so as to evolve its own doctrine of counter
insurgency? This is critical because, in the present
scheme of things, the CRPF requirements and needs
continue to depend on the infrastructure of the states.
What changes that we need to bring in CRPF HRD
system that shall result into providing an attractive
service environment and also help the Force in
improving the working condition, and
simultaneously build up an active and healthy life
style for our personnel.
Parameters of Strategy
It is also pertinent to mention that at the time of
consideration, CRPF should base its strategy on the
events of the past, present trends and compliment it
with a long term planning, which will help the
organisation to fully utilise its material, human,
technological resources in a most efficient and
organised manner.
Keeping these above listed issues as the
background, we can identify four critical areas that
we need to focus upon in setting new benchmarks
for the Force. These are :
Strengthening the core competencies of the
Organisation through reforms in Operations,
HRD, Training,
Systematic Technological Upgradation,
Enlisting Community Support,
Developing Organisational Pride and self
esteem.
The parameters of the strategy in these identified
priority areas are summarised in a table format:-
communal violence, etc. is
increasing day by day. As on
date 85% of the Force is
deployed in hard areas. It is
imperative that
preparedness of CRPF in
forthcoming days is also
integral to India's progress
in coming years. The issues
and matters will have a
direct and indirect bearing
on the working of CRPF. The
emerging modes of conflict
and contours of internal
security clearly indicate that
greater challenges are in
store for CRPF in coming
years. The article examines
some of the priority areas
which CRPF need to
handle as part of its
preparatory strategy to
effectively tackle emerging
and developing trends in the
matters of internal security.
Strengthening Core Competencies in CRPF Operations
Achieving Conflict Structural operational Strengthening CRPF Strengthening CRPF
theatre specialization by reengineering in CRPF to Intelligence mechanism by R&D Cell mechanism to
review of operational ensure greater decentralization review of existing structure work on long term
systems and procedure of functions and delegation and practice of Intelligence strategic and tactical
of authority for decision collection and networking plans in matters of
making organizational policies,
procedures, study of
modus operandi of
terrorist groups,
formulation and
dissemination of good
practices
Strengthening Core Competencies in CRPF Training
Creating new benchmarks Creating "centres of Specialized mobile/ Establishing
in training infrastructure excellence" on conflict learning modules on system of continuing
and standards viz emerging theatre basis critical operational issues professional education
modes of conflict
Core Competencies in CRPF HR Management
Integrated transparent Development of CRPF Independent transparent Tapping CRPF Developing Managing
HRD systems approach infrastructure with recruitment system workforce middle level stress
System to create an special drive on with adoption of market from supervision
Attractive service improving housing psychometric and conflict zones climate
Environment and satisfaction level psychological tests
improving working
Condition of personnel
Strengthening Core Competencies in CRPF Technological Upgradation and Learning
Promoting and establishing Strengthening dedicated CRPF Formulating road map for technological
e-governance with adoption technical R&D to provide equipments up gradation in CRPF on the basis of
of integrated technologies to achieve and gadgets operational force priority, and urgency expediently
operational and administrative multiplier
excellence
Strengthening Core Competencies Enlisting Community Support
Formulation and Special focus on youth Perfection an inhouse Strengthening CRPF
implementation of in conflict zones and structure to ensure websites, blogs.
CRPF societal Missions tapping their energy in Media Mgt. as force multiplier.
in the AOR by drawing CRPF.
integrated reformation
and rehabilitation plan
in the conflict zone
Strengthening Core Competencies in CRPF Organization Pride and Self Esteem
Preserving tradition and Ensuring dignity and Chronicle of legacies and establishment of CRPF
discipline and promoting formulating interventionist Museum and archives
sprit of Camaraderie package role in human
with sustained focus intervention in development
on regimentation of CRPF personnel
Concluding Remarks
The relevance of any organization is determined by
its capacity to meet the needs and aspirations of its
stakeholders on sustained basis. Envisioned
preparation of CRPF will keep on emerging
continuously so that it could offer better responses
to emerging challenges. CRPF should dwell upon
these issues so that it can play a stabilizing role in
forthcoming days, which in turn will enable the
Nation to achieve peace and prosperity.
Key Words
Occupational Stress,
Causes of Stress,
Good and Bad Features of
Police Life Style,
Coping and Health
A study of Occupational Stress and
Health in Police Personnel
Dr. Dinesh Nagar*
Introduction
Law enforcement personnel are exposed to high
levels of stress in their professional life. Personnel
belonging to uniformed services, who are allotted
field duties are even more prone to stress and its
adverse effects. The job performed by typical police
personnel, who is assigned field duties involves day-
to-day physical dangers and psychological
discomforts which results into a range of attitudinal,
behavioral and relationships problems (Deiner,
1997). The tasks performed by personnel who are
in police service range from detection, control and
containing the anti social elements, so that members
of the society feel secure, safe and protected. The
police personnel act as the white blood corpuscles
to wage their defenses against anti social elements
whose primary task of to disrupt the day-to-day
functioning and social fabric of the society.
The job expected to be per formed by police
personnel are sometimes dangerous wherein the
situations often becomes unpredictable, unique and
demanding. It is evident that for every police
personnel slain by an assailant while performing
duty, sizable numbers succumb to day-to-day
pressures emanating from the job. Recent statistics
presented by National Crime Record Bureau (NCRB)
reveal that of the 226 policemen who ended their
lives in the country, Madhya Pradesh recorded the
second highest figures with 23 cops committing
suicide, an increase of 16.8%. One potent reason of
high suicide rate may be increased level of
occupational stress or spill over effect of stress from
work life to family life. Exposed to myriad range of
Author's Note:
1. All correspondence regarding this paper should be addressed to Dr. Dinesh Nagar, Professor, Department of Psychology,
Barkatullah University, Bhopal.
2. Abstract of this paper published in the International Conference of IAAP, Jan 2009.
occupational stressors, the cognitive mechanism
which is an inherent property of human mind is very
often thrown into turmoil, resulting into adverse
consequences on health and well-being. However,
an equally compelling body of research provides
sufficient evidence that occupational stress is not
always bad. In fact, moderate level of stress,
sedentary life style and physical work out contributes
to facilitate the efficiency of cardiovascular system
and performance.
Literature Survey
Research studies on stress and health have grown
in voluminous propor tion and comprehensive
reviews are available in the literature (Nagar &
Sharma, 2005., Dalal & Ray, 2005). A review of
literature of police specific studies indicate that police
personnel are faced with the grim reality of
occupational stressors, which include job and role
related stressors (Siwach, 2001., Kumar, 2005). For
instance, a recent study conducted by Siwach (2001)
attempts to explore the impact of police specific
stress and burnout stress syndrome on the well-
being of police personnel. The researchers
empathetically argue that particular attention should
be given to stress in policing because its potential
negative consequences affect their well-being in
more direct and critical ways relative to stress in
other professions.
Police personnel operating under severe and chronic
stress and burnout syndrome may well be at great
risk of errors, accident and over-reaction that can
compromise their well-being, per formance,
*Professor, Dept. of Psychology,
BU, Bhopal.
Abstract
Police work is often
regarded as an extremely
stressful occupation, and
personnel involved in field
duties often report variety of
psychological, behavioral
and health related problems.
A brief survey was
conducted during the last
day of the soft skill training
programme to explore the
occupational stress and
health of the police
personnel, besides
examining the frequently
used psychological and
behavioral strategies to deal
with the adverse
consequences of stress. A
total of sixty police
personnel belonging to three
hierarchical levels of police
jeopardize, public safety and pose significant liability
cost to the organization. Kumar (2006) investigated
the stress profiles of police personnel posted in the
police station in Hyderabad. The major stressors
affecting the life of police personnel are related to
insufficient time for family, work overload,
accommodation problem, lack of confidence of
superiors, no time for intellectual development,
recreation, to keep everyone satisfied, risky
situations, problem of job coordination, lack of clarity
in expectation and coping with superiors. In another
study, Pillai (1987) examined the stress experienced
by police personnel and their spouse. Based on the
review of literature, ten organizational stressors with
regard to police job were identified. These stressors
were labeled as frequent appearance and leniency
by courts, lack of administrative and public support,
lack of career development, inadequate rewards,
excessive paper work, and ineffective measures
against criminals, distorted press reports, poor pay
and so forth.
A number of scholars have focused their studies on
stress, coping, tolerance and health of personnel
who are performing duties in uniform services like
police and military (Paulus, Nagar, Larey., &
Camacho, 1996., Alarn, 2006., Swanson et.al.I998).
For instance, the study of Swanson et.al (1998) have
focused on various steps related to reducing the
adverse effects of stress. The researchers have noted
that rigorous physical exercise that last for 20 to 30
minutes at least three times per week, maintaining
a proper diet, getting adequate rests, avoiding
caffeine within five hours of going to bad, developing
leisure interest such as hobbies, gardening etc,
meditating, praying, establishing support system,
using relaxing techniques and so forth as potent
factors that tend to reduce the adverse effects of
stress and promote wellness.
It is evident from scanning the literature that very
few studies are conducted to explore the
occupational stress, life style factors and health
among police personnel who are posted in the field
duties. The present paper focuses on occupational
stress and attempts to compare between three
categories of police personnel (CSPs, Inspectors,
Constables) who are in direct dealing with the public.
Furthermore, the status of health as reported by the
police personnel was studied. Finally, qualitative
analysis was proposed to investigate the good and
bad features of the police profession as perceived
by police personnel and further to investigate the
personnel techniques utilized by police personnel to
deal with the adverse effects of occupational stress.
Methodology
Sample: The sample of this study consists of sixty
police personnel who were nominated to attend the
three days stress management training programmes.
Random sampling procedure was used to select
equal number of police personnel belonging to three
levels of police organizational hierarchical (CSP,
inspectors, and Constables).
Measures
A semi-structured survey instrument entitled "Police
Life Style" was designed to understand issues,
focusing on various demo graphical and life style
factors, including occupational stress and health.
Both structured questionnaire and open ended items
were incorporated in the survey instrument. A brief
description of the measures used is given below:
Demographical measures: In the first section of the
questionnaire pertinent items related to background
information about the police personnel like age,
designation, length of service, transfer, promotion
and so forth were incorporated.
Occupational Stress
To measure occupational stress scale constructed
by Srivastava and Singh (1984) was used. The scale
consists of forty six items, each to be rated on the
five-point scale. Of the total of 46 items, 28 items
are 'true-keyed and rest 18 are falsekeyed'. The items
related to relevant components of the job life which
causes stress in some way or the other, such as
role overload, role ambiguity, role conflict,
unreasonable group/political pressure, responsibility
for person, under par ticipation, poor peer
relationship, powerlessness, intrinsic
impoverishment, low status, strenuous working
condition and unpredictability. Based on the norms
developed for the occupational Stress Index, the total
A study of Occupational Stress and Health in Police Personnel
organization (CSP, Inspector
and Constables) responded
to a brief survey carried out
during one of the soft skill
training sessions. The major
results of this study
revealed that high degree of
occupational stress was
reported by 40% of
Constables, 20% Inspectors
and 10% of CSPs.
Furthermore, more than 50%
of police personnel reported
experiencing moderate
levels of occupational
stress. The common health
complains reported by
Police personnel were high
blood pressure, diabetes,
Sciatica, arthritis, migraine,
asthma and Gastric
problems. On the open
ended items the police
scores obtained on all the twelve subscales were
categorized into high (156-230), moderate (123-155)
and low (46-230) occupational stress.
Health Measures
Based on the informal discussion with some
physicians, ten common health related problems
frequently repor ted by police personnel were
identified. The respondents were asked to report
their health problem, if any, on the brief checklist.
Two items related to satisfaction with physical and
mental health were incorporated in the questionnaire.
Other Measures
A number of open ended items were embedded in
the questionnaire. The respondents were asked to
describe the good and bad features of the police
profession. Fur ther, one item was prepared to
understand the typical personal interventions, used
by the police personnel to overcome the adverse
effects of occupational stressors.
Procedure
The data for the present study was collected through
police Training Colleges, located in central India
where constables, Inspectors and CSPs undergo
periodic training. The participants were randomly
selected from those personnel who attended the
three days behavioral science programmes which
cover useful inputs on various aspects of stress
management. In one of the training sessions, the
participants were distributed the semi-structured
questionnaire. Although the instructions were written
on the questionnaire, verbal instructions were also
given so that all the par ticipants were able to
understand clearly the procedure of recording the
responses. The participants were asked not to write
their name and were assured that the responses
given by them will be kept confidential, and would
be used for research purpose.
Results & Discussion
Descriptive analysis was performed to analyze major
background characteristics of the sample. No
significant difference was found on age, length of
service and number of time the police personnel
belonging to different hierarchical levels were
transferred. The average age of the sample was 45
while the length of service was found to be 24.
Further statistics revealed that across the entire
period of service the average number of promotion
obtained were 1.75, 1.1 and .35 times at the CSP,
Inspector and Constables levels respectively.
Interestingly 85%, 70% and 45% police personnel
were never declared unsuccessful during promotion.
Thus, it seems that promotional opportunities at all
the three levels surveyed are low with lowest at the
constable levels, followed by inspectors and CSP.
Thus, on average the police officers at CSP levels
receive one or two promotions while inspectors get
one promotion. Finally, on average the constables
get less than one promotional opportunities in their
long service tenure of more than two decades.
Finally, the CSPs are transferred more frequently
than inspectors and constables.
Occupational Stress
One way analysis of Variance was performed to
ascer tain the occupational stress on three
categories of police personnel. The overall
occupational stress was significantly higher among
constables followed by Inspectors and CSPs.
Furthermore, the trend of results reported in table 1
reveal that the Constables reported high occupational
stress on all the twelve dimensions followed by the
Inspectors and CSPs. However, of all the twelve
dimensions, significant differences were obtained
on only four dimensions of occupational stress. For
instance, the Constables exhibited high degree of
role ambiguity, more under par ticipation, less
intrinsic motivation in work setting and low status
as compared to their counterparts who are at the
Inspector and CSP levels. The results indicated that
no significant difference was obtained between three
categories of police personnel on occupational stress
measures related to role overload, role conflict, and
unreasonable group/political pressure, responsibility
for person, powerlessness, poor peer relations,
strenuous working conditions and unpredictability.
The results presented in Table I reveal that the
constables level police personnel, who are located
at the lowest echelons of the organizational ladder,
personnel reported exercise,
walking, yoga and happy
family environment as
potent contributors of stress
reduction. Various good and
bad features of the police life
styles were reported by the
participants. Implications of
the study are discussed.
feel that the role they are expected to perform are
not defined clearly and thus, they seem to be
confused about the role, besides it seems that the
system fails to seek their involvement and
participation in the decision making process. Finally,
the internal satisfaction derived from the job is found
to be low relative to their counterparts who are
relatively superior in terms of designation. The
significance of employees Involvement and
participation in the process of decision making on
job satisfaction and employee morale is profusely
documented in the management literature.
Employees derive satisfaction and perceive their
wok as meaningful, if they are involved in the process
of decision making at least in the jurisdiction of their
work area. The philosophy of Human resources
development also advocates that all employees
irrespective of their position in the organizational
hierarchy are talented and are ready to exhibit their
superior performance, if their expertise is recognized
and their opinions are solicited in the functional areas
of work (Rao, 1982).
Participative Management
A number of organizations have developed the
participative management culture and have derived
excellent results. For instance, a large number of
professional organizations like BHEL, SBI, TISCO
has long realized the creative potential of employees
who are at the grass root level. To exploit the creative
potential these organizations have encouraged the
employees, who are at the grass root level, to form
quality circles, which is a bottom approach to
participative decision making, and problem solving
and have reaped tremendous benefit at the personal,
interpersonal and organizational levels. It is possible
that the top administration may encourage the
concerned police functionaries and departments to
develop small capsule Training programmes and
expose the police personnel who are at the senior
level in various areas of behavioral sciences, and
human resource management wherein the
components of human resources development are
incorporated.
The Table II reveals that 40% of constables
experienced high level of stress, while only 20%
and 10% of Inspectors and CSPs experienced high
stress levels. Finally, sixty five percentage of CSPs
and Inspectors and 50% of Constables reported
moderate levels of stress. To recapitulate, the results
presented in Table I and II posits that the overall
occupational stress for constables both at the
individual as well as at the group level was found to
be highest followed by inspectors and CSPs. To a
large extent, the results of this study on occupational
stress are consistent with the findings obtained by
other scholars (Pillai, 1987., Mathur, 1995). For
instance, the study of Pillai (1987) also reported that
constables are under more stress than other officers.
In a similar vein, Mathur (1995) have found that
subordinates and senior officers are the most
stressed. The scope of this study was limited to
police personnel who were not senior in the
organizational hierarchy of the police department.
Thus, it appears that the results obtained in this study
are, to a large extent, consistent with the findings of
some earlier studies, which similarly reports that
constables posted in the field duties are more
susceptible to higher occupational stress.
Implication
The implications of the overall results presented
in Table I and II on occupational stress can be
explained, to a large extent, within the perspective
of arousal t heor y. From t he organi zat i on
effect i veness vi ewpoi nt , t he resul t s on
occupational stress obtained for three distinctive
levels of police personnel are both positive and
negative. The results clearly reveal that the
maxi mum pol i ce personnel have exhi bi ted
moderate levels of occupational stress. The
arousal theory posits that very low and very high
level of stress hinders the per formance. The
performance is optimal when the level of stress
is moderate (Yerkes and Dodson, 1908). The
results reveal that 65% of CSPs and Inspectors
and 50 % of Constables have repor ted moderate
level of ocupational stress and arousal, which
facilitates higher levels of performance. Thus,
based on the results it can be inferred that a large
number of police personnel are likely to be
exhibiting high level of performance.
Life Style factors
Qualitative analysis were performed on three open
ended items focusing on the causes of stress, good
features of police profession, and personal attempts
made by police personnel at the individual level, to
reduce the adverse effects of stress. Inspection of
Table IIIa reveal that police personnel at all levels
gave elaborate description on all the three open
ended items, by giving approximately an average of
three to four unique reasons on each of the three
open ended items. The content analysis was
performed to categorize the responses given by the
police personnel on open ended items. The major
causes of stress consistently reported by all the
three categories of police personnel relates to work
overload/long duty hours, interpersonal problems
with superiors, peers and subordinates, inadequate
resources and facilities, political interference, leave
not sanctioned in time/no holiday, less salary and
less promotional avenues (Table IIIb) .. The major
good features mentioned consistently by all
categories of police personnel were related to respect
in society, helping people in difficult times and
controlling the antisocial elements and patriotism,
uniform and challenging work.(Table IIIc). Finally,
Exercise/walking, yoga/relaxation, interaction with
friends/family, religious and recreational activities,
smoking/drinking were found to be prominently
mentioned by police personnel as personal
intervention, for reducing the adverse effects of
occupational stress (Table IIId).
Health
The typical health problems reported by the police
personnel are presented in table IV. As can be seen
from the results, the three major health problems
reported consistently by police personnel from all
the three categories were high blood pressure/ heart
problem, diabetes, sciatica/arthritis. In addition to
this, 14% and 13% of the Constables repor ted
problems related to insomnia and obesity
respectively. Finally, 35% of the CSPs, 25%
Inspectors and 14% of constables reported no health
problem. In addition, on the other two closed ended
questions more than 75% of the police personnel
belonging to all the three categories repor ted
satisfaction with their physical and mental health.
Thus, it seems that the health problem of the police
personnel are not unique to the profession but are
expected to be problems of advancing age.
Conclusion
To sum up, it appears that the promotional avenues
of the constables are meager as compared to their
counterparts. Besides, their overall occupational
stress level is higher on various components like
role ambiguity, under participation. Furthermore,
they reported low status relative to their counterparts.
The police administration may develop modalities
to define career path for lower echelons of police
personnel, besides enhancing their involvement in
decision making in their functional areas of work.
However, the results reveal that more than fifty
percent of police personnel have reported moderate
levels of stress. Sufficient empirical evidence exists
that moderate level of stress enhances optimal
arousal, which is considered as a facilitating factor
for higher performance. Thus, more than fifty percent
of police personnel belonging to all the hierarchical
levels are exhibiting higher performance standards.
The major cause of stress consistently reported by
police personnel are having relationship and
communication components. If training programmes
are developed which stresses the values and
significance of human resources components and
more participative culture is developed, then it is
more likely that police personnel may give their
meaningful contribution in the service of society.
While a number of health problems like high B.P,
heart problem, diabetese, arthritic, obesity problems
are highlighted by a sizeable number of police
personnel, however, these problems are considered
natural and are developed because of heredity
reasons or with growing age.
Interestingly, the police personnel have reported
various good features of the police job and are
involved in many personnel habits plans like yoga,
meditation, walking, diet which together are helpful
in dealing with adverse effects of occupational
stress. If some minor interventions are made by the
Table 1: Mean Differences among three categories of police
personnel as a function of occupational stress
Occupational Stress Range of CSP Inspectors Constables F
Scores
Role overload 6-30 21.80 22.15 22.65 3.58
Role Ambiguity 4-20 11.10 11. 70 12.50 5.85
Role Conflict 5-25 15.75 15.75 16.75 3.10
Unreasonable group and 4-20 13.85 14.15 14.35 2.65
Political Pressure
Responsibility for Persons 3-15 9.4 9.95 9.25 1.30
Under participation 4-20 10.40 12.25 13.15 6.74
Powerlessness 3-15 8.55 9.60 9.40 2.87
Poor Peer Relations 4-20 11.45 10.15 11.60 .97
Intrinsic Impoverishment 4-20 8.80 8.95 11.05 4.48
Low Status 3-15 6.80 6.90 8.20 6.65
Strenuous Working Condition 4-20 10.80 11.15 11.60 2.29
Un predictability 2-10 6.65 6.80 7.20 2.92
Overall Occupational Stress 46-230 135.40 139.75 148.75 8.40
Table 2: Percentages depicting levels of occupational stress of police
personnel among three categories of Police Personnel
Occupational Categories of Police Personnel
Stress CSP Inspectors Constables
High 10 20 40
Moderate 65 65 50
Low 25 15 10
Table 3a: Frequencies depicting causes of Stress, good features of the police
profession and ways adopted by the police personnel for stress reduction
Life Style factors Cate~ories of Police Personnel
CSP Inspectors Constables
Causes of stress 80 78 75
Good features of Police 86 92 73
Personal intervention for stress reduction 74 87 82
police administration like delineating career
prospects for police personnel who are at the lower
ends of the organizational hierarchy, developing a
culture where all personnel are given more human
treatment and opportunities of participation in policy/
decision making, the morale of the force is likely to
increase, and more positive respones from the
police personnel will be forthcoming.
'Table 3b: Percentages depicting major causes of occupational stress
among three ategories of Police Personnel
Causes of stress Categories of Police Personnel
Occupational Stress CSP Inspectors Constables
Work Load 22 16 15
Problems with superiors 38 14 14
peers and juniors
Inadequate resources and 9 6 4
facilities
Political interference 8 6 3
Leave 4 10 15
Salary 1 8 13
Promotion 0 2 10
Good Features of Categories of Police Personnel
Police Service CSP Inspectors Constables
Respect in Society 15 8 8
Help people in difficult times/ 12 22 17
controlling antisocial elements
Patriotism 7 9 15
Uniform 9 7 7
Power 2 3 4
Challanging job 14 3 3
Table 3d: Percentages depicting ways adopted to reduce occupational stress
among three categories of Police Personnel
Ways to Reduce Stress Categories of Police Personnel
CSP Inspectors Constables
Exercise and Walking 27 16 18
Yoga and Relaxation 17 14 16
Interacting with family 24 21 23
and friends
Religious activities 15 21 29
Recreation/T. V, Music 13 11 8
Drinking/Smoking 15 21 19
Disease CSP Inspectors Constables
High Blood Pressure/Heart Problem 20 18 20
Diabetese 10 14 17
Sciatica, Arthritis 14 14 13
Asthma 5 4 4
Liver Problem 5 0 4
Gastric Problem 5 4 0
Insomnia 0 13 14
Weakness 0 4 4
Obesity 5 7 13
No Health Problem 35 25 14
References
Alam, S. (2006). Influence of Occupational Stress
on Adjustment: A study of Police Personnel. The
Indian Police Journal, 1, 50-61.
Dalal, A.K., & Ray, S. (2005). Social Dimensions of
Health. Rawar Publications, Jaipur.
Maria Kumar, B. (2005). Applications of
Psychological Principles in Maintenance of Law and
Order. Balaji Publications, Bhopal.
Nagar, D., & Sharma, A. (2005). Influence of
Community living and Environmental Stressors on
Health and Well-Being: A. Study. In A.K. Dalal and
Subha Ray (Eds). Social Dimensions of Health (pp.
282-309). Rawat Publications, Jaipur.
Paulus, P., Nagar, D., Larey, T., & Camacho, M. (1996).
Environmental, Lifestyle and Psychological Factors
in the health and Well-being of Military families.
Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 26, 2053-2075.
Pillai, (1987). Applications of Psychological
Principles in Maintenance of Law and Order, pp. 98-
100. Balaji Publications, Bhopal.
Siwach, S. (2003). Major Stressors in Police
Organization. The Indian Police Journal, 50(1).
Siwach, S. (2003). Police specific stress, burnout
stress syndrome: Effect on well-being, The Indian
Police Journal, XLVIII, 18-26.
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and Standardization of an occupational stress index:
A pilot study. Journal of Clinical Psychology,
8, 133-36.
Introduction
The problem of counterfeit currency is prevalent in
all the countries. India is also getting alarmed by
the inflow of counter feit currency in financial
infrastructure. Though the Government of India and
Reserve Bank of Indi a have taken vari ous
measures in the from of security features (as
shown in Fig. I & II) in currency notes. Sometimes,
it becomes difficult to differentiate between genuine
and counterfeit notes due to copying of security
features by counterfeiters, particularly when some
neighboring country channels are involved in
destabilizing the economy of India. Hence, authors
have tried to examine additional features in the
currency notes for the detection of counterfeit
currency, with the help of HPTLC scanner and
evaluation software in the analysis of these security
markings. In the paper, a detailed comparative
study is made to study the comparison between
the security thread in the counterfeit note of Rs. 500
and the genuine Rs. 500 denomination, so that a
differentiation could be established to help the law
enforcement agencies, in future analysis of such
type of counterfeit currency. The following study
has been conducted on the exhibits in one of the
case received at Counterfeit Currency Examination
Unit, Central Forensic Science Laborator y,
Hyderabad.
Materials and Methods
Ten notes of genuine Rs. 500 denomination, Ten
notes of counterfeit Rs. 500, stick Tape, Metered
Scale, Camag HPTLC Scanner, Camag Reprostar
Photo Imaging instrument, A Desktop computer
with Win-Cats software loaded.
The physical measurements of the genuine Rs.
500 denomination and counterfeit Rs. 500 were
taken to standardize the scanning procedure. The
full absorbance scans of the whole surface area
on obverse and reverse side were taken under
multiple wavelength of UV-200nm/300nm/400nm.
The same type of scanning was done on the
reverse surface of both the currencies as well.
The technical specifications used for the HPTLC
scanner are described in Table I and the adopted
parameters for the examination of the whole surface
area and the security thread are described in Table
II and Table III respectively. The absorbance details
of the surface of both types of currency were
observed and are shown in Fig. 1-8.
A New Approach for Analysis of
Indian Counterfeit Currency (Bank
Notes) by using HPTLC Scanning and
Photo Imaging Technique
Seema Srivastava*, Vindresh Mishra** and Others
Key Words
Security Thread,
Counterfeit, Scanning,
Photo Imaging,
Absorbance,
Tracks, Currency.
*SSO, Central Forensic Science
Laboratory,
Ramanthapur,
Hyderabad-500013 (AP)
**SRF, Central Forensic Science
Laboratory,
Ramanthapur,
Hyderabad-500013 (AP)
Abstract
The cases of counterfeiting
of Indian currency have
shown considerable
increase in recent past. It
has been observed that
counterfeit currency of Rs.
500 and Rs. 1000 are
generally produced by the
criminals with the help of
computer and scanners.
When these are seized by
the police, security features
are examined in the lab to
ascertain the counterfeiting.
However, authors have
successfully tried a new
approach for the
identification of counterfeit
currency of Rs. 500 by
using HPTLC scanning,
photo Imaging Technique
and WIN-CATS software
Table : 1- Parameters of HPTLC Scanner
S.No. Parameter Value
I. Otimised Optical system Light
2. Scanning speed 20 mmls
3. Data Resolution 100 Ilm/step
4. Wavelength 254nm
5. Lamp D2
6. Measurement type Remission
7. Measurement mode Absorption
8. Optical filter Second order
9. Detector mode Automatic
10. Baseline Correction Lowest Slope
II. Peak threshold min. slope 5
12. Peak threshold min. height 10 AU
13. Peak threshold min. Area 50
14. Peak threshold max. height 990 AU
15. Display scaling Automatic
Table : 2 Parameters of HPTLC scanner for full surface scans (Obverse and Reverse side)
S.No. Parameter Scanning of Full Surface Area
I. No of tracks 31
2. Inter track distance 5mm
3. X-axis 5mm
4. Y-axis 2mm
5. Slit dimension 6.00 x 0.30mm
6. Peak smoothin Savitsky-Golay 7
7. Mode Absorbance
A New Approach for Analysis of Indian Counterfeit Currency
(Bank Notes) by using HPTLC Scanning and Photo Imaging Technique
Table : 3- Parameters of HPTLC scanner for Security Thread scanning
S.No Parameter Scanning of Scanning of
Security Theard of Security Theard of
standard Rs.500 both genuine(G)
denomination and counterfeit(F)
(n*=10) currency of Rs.500
(n=2(G)+2(F))
STANDARDIZATION COMPARISON
1. No of tracks 10 4
2. Inter track distance 10mm 20mm
3. X-axis 13mm 13mm
4. Y-axis 68mm 68mm
5. Slit dimension 6.00 x 0.30mm 6.00 x 0.30mm
6. Peak smoothin None None
Fig.1 Genuine
Rs. 500
denomination
absorbance
under multi
wavelength
(whole
surface area
of overse
side)
*Signifies the no of samples
analysis. The absorbance
pattern under the multiple UV
wavelength of the obverse
surface area of genuine Rs.
500 denomination has been
taken and compared with the
surface absorbance of
counterfeit Rs. 500 note in
31-tracks scanning to the
length of the note. There is a
clear differentiation in the
absorbance pattern at the
intaglio ink printing surface
in both the currencies
observed in between track
numbers 8 to 23. In the
same fashion, the security
thread has been examined in
the case of both currencies
under UV-254 nm
wavelength. The max of the
security thread in genuine
currency notes of Rs. 500
denomination of years 2005
Fig. 2:
Genuine Rs.
500
denomination
absorbance
under multi
wavelength
(Whole
surface area
of obverse
side)
Fig. 3:
Counterfeit
Rs. 500
absorbance
under multi
wavelength
(Whole
surface area
of obverse
side)
Dimensions Undertaken for the scan of whole surface area of genuine and counterfeit currency:
Area : 16.6cm x 7.2
Position X-axis : 5mm
Position Y-axis : 5mm
Width maximum position : 67mm
No. of tracks : 31
All tracks @ all wavelengths 200 mm
to 2008 (n=10) was found to
be 374nm, which was not
observed in the counterfeit
Rs.500. The photo imaging
of both the currencies
(genuine & counterfeit) was
done to study the
illumination pattern on both
types of currencies.
Fig. 4: Genuine Rs. 500 denomination absorbance
under multi wavelength (From Track 8-23) covering the intaglio ink portion
Fig. 5: Genuine Rs. 500 denomination absorbance under multi wavelength
(From Track 8-23) covering the intaglio ink portion
Fig. 6: Counterfeit Rs. 500 absorbance under multi wavelength (From Track 8-23) covering the
intaglio ink portion
Fig. 7: Genuine Rs. 500 denomination absorbance under multi wavelength
(Whole surface area of reverse side)
Fig.8 : Counterfeit Rs.500 absorbance under multi wavelength (Whole surface area of reverse side)
Fur thermore, two Rs. 500 counterfeit and two
Rs. 500 denomination genuine were placed side by
side so that the security thread remain equidistant,
placed for scanning at 20mm apart distance and it
was scanned under UV wavelength of 254nm. In
TLC Scanner, the X-axis and Y-axis values were fixed
to scan the security thread in both the currencies.
The Win-Cats software was used to take the analysis
data of the security thread under UV wavelengths of
254nm and 366nm in absorbance mode. Under the
scanning, the relative peaks were observed in both
types of Rs. 500 currency notes.
In addition, the displayed peaks of absorbance were
scanned under the UV wavelength range of 190nm
to 400nm to study the comparison between all the
peaks of genuine and counterfeit Rs. 500 currency
notes. The spectral comparison data was
standardized by the scanning of ten randomly
selected Rs. 500 denomination having different
alphabetical serial numbers, newly added broad
security thread and year marking at reverse side
of the note made during year 2005 to 2008.
In the second step, the collected ten genuine Rs.
500 denomi nati on currency notes were
photographed under different UV-wavelenghs of
254nm, 366nm and white light as shown in fig.9-11
then the equally placed notes (Two genuine and
two counterfeit Rs. 500) were examined under
Camag Reprostar photo imager to see the
comparative fluorescence of the fixed currency
notes on the glass surface. The photos undertaken
during different UV- wavelengths of 254 nm and
366 nm and white light have been displayed in
Fig-13 to 14.
All tracks @ all wavelength 210 mm
Fig.9 :Photography of 10 genuine Rs.500 denomination currency notes under UV254nm
Fig.12: Photography of aligned two genuine and two counterfeit Rs.500 note under UV wavelength 254nm
Genuine Counterfeit
Fig.14: Photography of aligned two genuine and two counterfeit Rs.500 note under White Light
Observations and Results
The comparison between the scanning of the whole
surface area of genuine Rs. 500 denomination
currency note and counterfeit Rs. 500 as shown in
Fig 1-3 clearly indicates that there is good
absorbance pattern on the surface of genuine
currency notes, while in counterfeit currency notes
there is irregular absorbance pattern under multiple
wavelength as discussed earlier. The same kind of
comparison was observed in the reverse side of
both types (genuine and counterfeit ) of currency
notes as shown in Fig. 7 and 8. It is further compared
in the area of intaglio printing in the middle of both
types of currency and the same irregular absorbance
was observed around the intaglio printing in
counterfeit currency whereas regular absorbance
was observed in genuine currency notes(as shown
in Fig 4-6). The spectrum comparison of genuine
currency note shown in fig 11 defines the unified
spectral absorbance comparison at A max = 374nm
under the spectral scanning of 23 peaks in the width
of 68mm whereas in counterfeit currency has not
shown any unified spectral absorbance (Fig. 12) at
the security thread region.
The photo imaging technique was used to compare
the fluorescence pattern on the surface of both kind
of currency and it was observed that under UV-366nm
Fig.13: Aligned two genuine and two counterfeit Rs. 500 note under UV wavelength 366 nm
(Fig.13) the security thread glares very well but in
counterfeit currency only blue luminescence was
observed. Under UV-254nm (Fig. 12), the dense blue
fluorescence with yellow fluorescent background
was observed in genuine currency but in counterfeit
currency only blue fluorescence was prominent on
total surface area. In white light (Fig.14), no major
difference has been observed between the two types
of currency of Rs.500 denomination.
Conclusion
The present study has great potential in the
examination of counterfeit currency as discussed in
observation and results, the proposed technique had
shown clear differentiation between (security
threads) the genuine Rs.500 denomination currency
notes and the counterfeit Rs.500 notes. This is a
simple and non-destructive technique and could be
carried out for the analysis of all other denominations
of Indian Currency.
Acknowledgement
The author(s) are highly grateful to Dr.M.S.Rao,
Director-cum-Chief Forensic Scientist, Directorate
of Forensic Science, New Delhi for providing all
the necessary instrumental facilities at CFSL,
Hyderabad, to develop new techniques and their
implementation for future usage in examination of
counterfeit currencies.
Reference
1. Standard RBI guidelines for the security features
of Rs.500 denomination at www.rbi.org.in
2. Features of security thread in Rs.500
denomination at www.rbi.org.in.
Key Words
Behavioural Imperatives
Professional Challenges
Mental Strain
Leadership Crisis
Behavrioural Deviations
Functional Assessment
Traumatic Impact
Police Reforms
Emotional Intelligence
Toxic Atmosphere
Environmental Enrichment
Value Confusion
Introduction
The Police Forces across the nation are at
crossroads. The challenges before the leadership
are not only of professionalism but also of
behavioural pattern of the force personnel. The
mindset of top echelons in police forces has already
reached its plateau in dealing with the nature of
problems, which keep on surfacing every day.
Expecting consistency in police personnel's behavior
has also become a professional challenge. Incidents
are taking place in contradictions to each other and
nothing but complaints and compliances exist
together, to choke the professionalism and image of
police organizations.
The behavioural deviations have often been defined
in the bracket of "stress", relating it to physical and
mental strain, poor work life and uncertainity under
which the police forces works 24X7 hours
throughout their career. However, this stress needs
to be understood and analyzed in overall behavioural
perspective of personnel in organization, which are
being shaped by organizational sub-cultures and
social environs. The suicides and shooting incidents
are continuing unabated and rather it is increasing.
Recently, the killing of a very senior officer of CRPF
by his own constable in office has once again forced
us to think, that was it purely because of stress that
such an heinous act can be committed?
What has gone wrong with the behaviour of the 'man
in Khaki'? Why everybody shouts that police are
most ruthless and insensitive organized human lot
in our civilized society? These are harsh and to a
large extent unjust words for a service where still
sense of duty and discipline exist. Inspite of all odds,
it works with promptness more than that of any other
organs of government and mostly under hostile and
life threatening conditions.
Why this under staffed and overburdened department
do not get the recognization and respect its deserve
for its positive interventions during conflicts to
maintain peace in society? All these complexities
necessitate an enquiry and analysis of behavioural
pattern of police personnel. It needs to be analyzed
as how police leadership can end the "leadership
crisis" as perceived by lower functionaries. How to
make police culture more acceptable to
professionalism rather than patronage and
sycophancy?
Behavioural Factors
There are certain presumptive behavioural factors
which construct the framework of behavioural
deviations of police personnel. It is imperative to
take these aspects into consideration before in-depth
behaviroural analysis of leaders and followers for
reformative measures.
There are certain presumptive behavioural factors
which construct the framework of behavioural
deviations of police personnel. It is imperative to
take these aspects into consideration before in-depth
behaviroural analysis of leaders and followers for
reformative measures:
Belief that police is hired to do a job, not to do
their best.
Offensive profiling of police by media and
cinema.
Lack of trust in subordinates.
Understanding that one cannot grow beyond a
rank or in his professional competence.
Seniors get angry for stating the truth.
Highly inconsistent direction and guidance from
seniors.
Behavioural Imperatives For
Police Leadership
Rakesh Kumar Singh*
*Second-In-Command,
CRPF Academy,
Kadarpur, Gurgaon-497001
Cut-throat competition amongst colleagues to
grab post/position or meagre favour.
Acceptance for "ability and talent wasted and
disrespected".
Judgmental on another man's sufferings and on
the limit of what he can bear.
Contempt from society, breeds contempt for
society.
Questions of Values and rights are relative for
police and are being selectively applied to their
cause.
For resolving social dangers, physical danger
to policeman is considered a sound policy.
Perception amongst many that police,
especially constabulary, is just a low-grade
animal without intellect, without soul, without
virtues or moral values.
All these factors lead to a perception among
people that police has no judgment to distinguish
right and wrong, courage to act upon the truth,
lacks dedication and integrity to stand by the
good.
Behavioural Assessment
Above perceptions affects the behaviour of a
policeman and behaviour towards a policeman in
society. It also defines the inter-personnel relations
amongst themselves. Thus, the police sub-culture,
leadership styles, work-life balance and stressors
all need to be analyzed in behavioural perspective.
The Police are paid to restrict, restrain, suspect and
prevent people from doing many things but
paradoxically the same professional competence
leads it to dejection, disrespect and distress. Inspite
of all, this is an organization in which positive
behavioural intervention of leadership can help in
making the personnel and profession healthy. The
change will require behavioural assessment, which
involves selecting and defining the behaviour to be
changed. This assessment should be analyzed to
get unambiguous and measurable information about
the problems in behavioural patterns. The responses
based on information must be observed under
operationalised condition or in real time. Such
observations are not difficult to study in police
organizations as things are so apparent, but in case
of officers it may be a little deceptive as they can
apply intellect over their conduct, and justify action
or pretend the necessity.
Functional Assessment
The functional assessment has to be carried out to
understand the deviant behaviour of police. This
assessment determines antecedent and consequent
variables. These assessments will depend on
following factors:-
Observation of behaviour
Physical and environmental factors predictive
of behaviour.
Potential functions of behaviour and
consequential effects.
Functional Factors
In Police organizations, this assessment should be
carried out by independent observer for eliminating
bias, though identification of such functional
behaviours is not very difficult. A few of the factors
which, in my opinion, are affecting the behaviour of
police are: -
Nature of Work
Being witness to hostile and shocking incidents
police are first responders in case of many
disastrous situation and often undergo mental
trauma of witnessing murder, injuries, brutality
etc. which effects police psyche.
The anti-social elements have vengeance
against policing. So whenever they find an
oppor tunity to harm them, they do it with
utmost brutality. For example, in many of the
recent naxal attacks, the policemen were killed
by axes/swords by cutting parts of body one
by one, gourging out eyes, etc. Such brutalities
with colleagues have "traumatic" impact on
pol i ce psyche and i t i nfl uences thei r
behavioural output.
Abstract
Police leadership need to
develop mindset for
progressive change in the
police organization. The job
of managing Police
personnel are a professional
challenge which should be
taken into right perspective.
Efforts should be made to
decouple the policing from
political influences as well
as criminalisation within the
organizations itself.
The image of Police needs
to be managed like a
"brand/product" so that
merely the fear of
professional intervention of
Police prevents many a
crimes and criminals to
flourish. For economic
development of the
Behavioural Imperatives for Police Leadership
The work life of police has no norms
whatsoever in terms of working hours, nature
of duties and extent of responsibilities. In the
name of service to nation, only police is singled
out to perform all duties. For example, in
Chhattisgarh police suffered causality when
they were building roads to restore supply to
the area, while civil administration simply
stayed away from any such exercises of
development for years together. In fact, the
problem of naxalism will remain stuck up in
vicious circle, if other organs do not carry out
development work. Police is facing the burnt
only because of inefficiency of developmental
agencies to work in tanderm in these areas.
Negative Profiling
Offensive and negative profiling of police
functioning has terrific impact which shapes a
policeman's professional thinking and approach.
Often they find themselves at the center of failure
of each and every social evils/crimes, butt of
jokes amongst scholars and a mere "tool" for
use/ misuse by bureaucrats/ politicians. This
profiling to a great extent shapes policeman's
social behavior.
Toxic Work Culture
Even in the depar tment itself, there exists
snobbish culture and toxic atmosphere. The
man in uniform are neither united nor a coherent
entity. There are various strata of services with
their own set of parameters and privileges
where they would not like any encroachment.
Talent and merit are suppressed by the groups
if that does not suit their group. Inter-group
rivalry, and cut throat competition for career
progression and position are easily exploited
by unscrupulous politicians and bureaucrats.
And the biggest victim of all these are the
"professional growth" and the profession itself.
The police bosses at all levels are toxic. This
has somehow become an accepted police sub-
culture. Degrading juniors, shouting at them,
commanding or controlling them with iron fists
would have been acceptable in the past but with
the changing social and moral values, these
behavioural patterns requires modification.
However, the men in position are very slow in
understanding and implementing it. The resultant
gap creates dissatisfaction and frustration vents
through their deviant behaviour. The toxic
behaviour is so common that the personnel are
afraid of facing their seniors publicly least they
are demeaned or humiliated.
Competence Upgradation
The diversity of the nature of professional
challenges the police is facing needs continuous
competence upgradation. This competence
building is possible only through systematic
training and development strategies. However,
the personnel are so committed that they are
not adequately trained. Resultantly, the lack of
competence necessitates a common approach
towards all problems which keep the police
personnel under continuous stress and strain.
These lacks of professional competence
obviously have negative behavioural
manifestation.
Neglected Family Life
The families of police personnel are most
neglected lot. Neither they are taken care of by
depar tment in organized manner nor the
individuals are able to do so themselves
because of commitment of duty in terms of time
and place. This keeps on hurting policeman
internally. He understand that he is neither able
to fulfill aspirations of wife whether biological
or emotional nor able to bestow love and
guidance to their kids during their growing age.
This results mostly in violent and insensitive
manifestation in his behavior. It also results in
many sor t of per version and avoidable
aggressiveness.
Reformative Measures
Analysis of behaviour of police personnel
reflects that there is urgency of immediate
reformative measures. The recommendation of
suggestive measures are purview of experts,
proportion which we have
dreamt for our nation, it is
essential that Police ensure
peace and prevalence of law
in the society. So that the
basic rights are guaranteed
to the people for unhindered
realization of their
economic and social
pursuits. Police is already
doing a commendable job
inspite of resource
constrains; the need is to
improve its behavioural
attitude to fine tune its
professional image.
The Police leadership has
the most critical role to play
to bring this institution in
order. They need to play
creative, productive and
benevolent role as well as
however, being myself a police officer I have
following suggestions which may be
experimented.
Environmental enrichment of work life seems to be
one of the plausible measures. The Physical
conditions of work life can be improved at least
urgently. The police deserve to have better police
stations, furnishing, facilities for work and
appropriate living places. Many police station
officials have to indulge in corrupt practices because
there are grossly inadequate provisions for essential
items even like stationery or photo copying facilities.
Thus, they do it from sources for which earning
money by corrupt means becomes inevitable. These
facilities management can be better thought off and
implemented.
E I Leadership
Emotionally intelligent (EI) leadership style may be
an effective optional tool in behavioural
transformation of police personnel. Emotional
intelligence gives more prominence to the emotional
competence and cognitive aspects. The ability to
mange feelings and handle stress is vital aspect of
emotional intelligence. EI emphasizes on improving
relationship and managing social skills to improve
upon productivity and positive behaviour. To enhance
emotional intelligence, police organization must
understand and focus on training to include brain's
inner system and behavioural aspects. People should
be helped to break old behavioural habits and
establish new ones that not only takes much more
time than conventional training programmes, but it
also requires an individualized approach with
persistence and practice, and such a process can
lead to lasting results. Simultaneously, emotional
competence of leadership reflects range of personal
skills to inspire others to work together towards
common goal.
Police Reforms
Police reforms, which are being talked off recently
so much, should be implemented to ensure better
working conditions for policeman. Transparent
transfer system, progressive career planning,
suitable rewards and compensation package should
immediately boost up the sagging moral of police.
play creative, productive and benevolent role as
well as destructive (like Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh
Trinity) role to eradicate the evils which has become
and thana (Police Station) level officials depends
on the empathy and understanding that their senior
officials will demonstrate for them and value they
add for professionalism of the institution.
The change so desired will be a pain for everyone
initially but nevertheless the implementation of right
ethics will bring joy and respect for all men in Khaki.
The value confusion which has arisen due to fear of
change will be lucid and clear by stating the values
and establishing direction by leadership. The system
is itself ready to change and need of hour is to bring
appropriate behavioural changes at all levels of rank
and file.
Police Leadership
Police leadership need to develop mindset for
progressive change in the police organization. The
job of managing Police personnel are a professional
challenge which should be taken into right
perspective. Efforts should be made to decouple the
policing from political influences as well as
criminalisation within the organizations itself.
The image of Police needs to be managed like a
"brand/product" so that merely the fear of
professional intervention of Police prevents many a
crimes and criminals to flourish. For economic
development of the propor tion which we have
dreamt for our nation, it is essential that Police ensure
peace and prevalence of law in the society. So that
the basic rights are guaranteed to the people for
fearless development of their economic and social
pursuits. Police is already doing a commendable
job inspite of resource constrains; the need is to
improve its behavioural attitude to fine tune its
professional image.
destructive (like Brahma-
Vishnu-Mahesh Trinity) role
to eradicate the evils which
has become synonym of
police. The perception of
constabulary and thana
(Police Station) level
officials depends on the
empathy and understanding
that their senior officials will
demonstrate for them and
value they add for
professionalism of the
institution.
play creative, productive and benevolent role as well
as destructive (like Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh Trinity)
role to eradicate the evils which has become
and thana (Police Station) level officials depends on
the empathy and understanding that their senior
officials will demonstrate for them, and value they
add for professionalism of the institution.
REFERENCE
1. Leslie C. Juhau- Essential Behavior Analysis.
2. Goleman Daniel- Emotional Intelligence.
3. Rand Ayn- Atlas Shrugged.
4. Frank Leishman and Paul Mason- Policing and
the Media facts, fictions and factions.
5. Goleman, Daniel- Leadership that gets results-
Harvard Business Review, March-April-200.
Introduction
The journey of human rights in India entered a new
phase with the establishment of National Human
Rights Commission (NHRC) under the Protection of
Human Rights Act, 1993. The creation of this noble
institution, after more than four decades of having
democratic constitution and policy, created a new
hope and a sense of security among the human rights
activists in India. Undoubtedly, it is a positive step
by the Indian state in the field of protection and
promotion of human rights. However, in spite of all
the constitutional, judicial, legal and democratic
arrangements, Indian state was being constantly
criticised for the violation of human rights, more
par ticularly by the state agencies like military,
para-military and police force.
The police has been subjected to criticism for various
forms of human rights violation but the issue of
'custodial deaths' and 'custodial torture' has become
a burning topic of discussion in the last couple of
decades. In this scenario, the formation of NHRC as
the watchdog of human rights invited lots of cynicism
on its success and future. Therefore, an evaluation
of the role of NHRC in the field of custodial crime
needs to be done for deciding the future course of
measures to be adopted.
Protection of Human Rights Act 1993
The Protection of Human Rights Act, which came
into force on 28th September, 1993, aims at checking
the violation of human rights and promoting a human
rights culture in India, through the establishment of
national and state level human rights institutions
and human rights courts at district level. This Act
has four important components: Definition of human
rights; Composition, functions and powers of NHRC
composition, functions and powers of State Human
Rights Commission; and Human Rights courts.
Definition
The Act defines human rights as "the rights relating
to life, liberty, equality and dignity of the individual
guaranteed by the constitution or embodied in the
International Covenants and enforceable by courts
in India
1
." However, the feature that attracts the
attention of most of us in this Act is that rights which
are not judicially enforceable in India, are not to be
treated as human rights. The legal and positivistic
view that the Act adopts, not only limits the scope of
human rights but it insists that "human rights are
posited by state through law and state/law which
creates these rights can abrogate them as well, in
contrast, the naturalist view maintains that basic
human rights have its origins in nature - human,
divine and natural - and the state is no more than an
amanuensis of an anonymous auther of rights
2
.
Chapter II, III and IV of the Act contain the provisions
relating to the composition, functions, powers and
procedures of the NHRC, while Chapter V deals with
state human rights commission. The state
commissions are designed in the same line in which
NHRC is formed and most of the provisions meant
for the later are also applicable to the former with
little modifications
3
. The provision that has become
the source of controversy and criticism is that the
Act has left it to the wish of the state governments to
establish state commission, as and when they
desire
4
. As a result, more than fifty per cent of states
do no have their own human rights commission even
after fifteen years of the enforcement of this Act.
Under Section 30 of the Act, the state governments,
with the concurrence of the chief justice of the High
Key Words
NHRC,
Custodial Death,
Custodial Crime, Investigatory,
mendatory Body, Interim Relief,
Consitutional
Legal Safeguards,
Judicial Activism,
Custodial Violence
*Assistant Professor, Political
Science, Motilal Nehru College, Delhi
University, New Delhi
NHRC And
Custodial Crime
Dr. Radha Nath Tripathy*
Court, may specify a court of sessions to be a human
rights court for each district, and make arrangement
of a public prosecutor for each such court to deal
with human rights violation cases. Providing speedy
trial of offences arising out of violation of human
rights has been the purpose of this provision.
However, unfor tunately no state till date has
established such courts.
National Human Rights Commission
The NHRC, like national human rights institutions in
other countries, is an outcome of the process of
universalisation of human rights institutions. The
United Nations, ECOSOC and UN Commission of
Human Rights have been trying since 1946, to
persuade nation-states induding India to establish
National Human Rights Institutions, as it is widely
believed that the translation of international human
rights standards into reality is possible only with the
establishment of such institutions. The guidelines
suggested in the "Paris Principles", therefore
became the basis of the formation of India's NHRC.
No less significant than international factors are
some of the domestic factors that pressurised the
Indian government to establish a national human
rights commlssion. The human rights movement in
India led by civil rights organisations like PUDR,
PUCL, CED, CPDR, etc., since the time of national
emergency, have been very critical of the role of
state vis-a-vis human rights violation by state law
enforcement and security machineries. The above
criticisms were also substantiated by the reports of
Amnesty International and Asia Watch, various
decisions of Supreme Court and High Courts, the
reports of Law Commission and National Police
Commission and many other research findings. The
most potential and immediate factor behind the
creation of NHRC is the issue of human rights in
J&K, which most frequently hogged the headlines of
the newspapers and main news items of T.V.
channels.
The international and national pressure to establish
NHRC was countered by the skepticism from some
quarter of the society, regarding the necessity and
effectiveness of this commission
5
. Some concerned
people also expressed their doubt about the sincerity
and intention of government behind the creation of
this commission. They argued, NHRC is just an
outcome of external pressure and a clever gesture
to please the west rather than the result of genuine
desire to protect and promote human rights
standards in our country. It is worthwhile to note that
some intellectuals and even politicians opposed the
establishment of NHRC and they questioned the need
of such a separate organisation, when we have
independent and vibrant judiciary along with
Women's Commission, SCs & STs Commission and
Minorities Commission to look after the human rights
of all including that of the deprived and weaker
sections of the society. Some even developed
apprehension of conflict between NHRC and above
institutions! commissions. It is interesting to note
that even some chief ministers, in Chief Ministers
Conference (1992), opposed the formation of this
commission on the basis of the above arguments
6
.
Skepticism about the integrity and efficiency of NHRC
was advanced by few, as they believed that it, like
other government organisations, would be proved
ineffective and be a symbol of formalism and
ritualism.
Regardless of all factors discussed, NHRC was
instituted under The Protection of Human Rights Act
and came into operation on 28th September, 1993
with a chairman and four members. The functions of
NHRC as spelled out in Section-12 of the Act, make
it the nodal institution to promote and protect human
rights in India.
Objective
The sole objective of the Commission is to provide
justice to all whose human rights are violated,
particularly by the state officials. For the fulfilment
of the above objectives, NHRC can intervene in
any case involving human rights violation and can
also visit any place of violation of human rights. In
addition to this, it has been given the responsibility
of conducting research in the field of human rights
and spreading human rights education, and
awareness which will create a culture of human
rights in India.
Abstract
NHRC was instituted under
The Protection of Human
Rights Act and came into
operation on 28th
September, 1993 with a
chairman and four
members. The functions of
NHRC as spelled out in
Section 12 of the Act, make
it the nodal institution to
promote and protect human
rights in India.
The sole objective of the
Commission is to provide
justice to all whose human
rights are violated
particularly by the state
officials. For the fulfilment
of the above objectives,
Power & Functions
For the purpose of providing justice to the victims of
human rights violation, the Commission has been
given the power of a civil court to conduct inquiries
and investigation of such cases. The Commission
initiates inquiries of the cases of human rights
violation on the basis of a petition filed by a victim or
by any person on his/her behalf or on its own
initiative.
The important issue here is not to conduct inquiries
to establish the fact of violation of human rights, but
how to punish those who are found guilty in this
process. It is required to note that NHRC has no
power to punish or to take any action against any
authority. This is the point that was one of the factors
for which the very establishment of NHRC was
criticised. This Act makes the Commission an
investigatory and recommendatory body rather than
an accusatory or judicial body. The Commission
because of the above limitation, after conducting
the inquiries, recommends to the concerned
government or authority to initiate the process of
prosecution against persons/authority found guilty
of violation of human rights. It sends a copy of its
inquiry report together with its recommendations
to the concerned government or authority and later
shall, within a period of one month, or such further
time as the commission may allow, forward its
comments including the action taken or proposed
to be taken thereon, i n i ts repor ts, to the
commission.
National Human Rights Commission can also
approach the Supreme Cour t or High Cour t
concerned for such directions, orders or writs as
that court may deem necessary. Besides above, the
commission recommends to the concerned
government or authority for the grant of such
immediate interim relief to the victim or the members
of his family as the commission may consider
necessary. Last but not the least, NHRC makes its
report public together with the comments and the
action taken or proposed to be taken by the concerned
government or authority if any, on its
recommendations.
Indian Police and Human Rights
India, after more than 200 years of repressive colonial
rule, became a democratic state with a Constitution
containing provisions guaranting rights and dignity
of its citizens. But, on the other hand, it has inherited
its police organisation from its colonial past without
much change in its repressive and exploitative
colonial culture. This paradox creates a situation in
which the greatest threat to the life, liberty and dignity
of the people comes from the state's law enforcement
agency that is the police.
Despite constitutional and legal safeguards, judicial
activism, continuous public criticisms, serious
efforts on the part of NHRC and other civil liberty
organisations and free press, the problem of human
rights violation by the police is still persisting. The
violation of human rights by police and specifically
torture and deaths in police custody has become a
burning issue in the last two decades in India.
Custodial violence has been brought to the center-
stage as a human rights issue by human and civil
rights organisations and the press both within and
outside the country as a part of their campaign
against human rights violation. It seems democratic
state in India has failed to check the arbitrariness
and unlawful actions of police that causes violation
of basic human rights of even many innocent people.
Table-I
Deaths in Police Custody in India (1995-2006)
Years No. of cases in India
1995-96 136
1996-97 188
1997-98 191
1998-99 180
1999-2000 177
2000-01 127
2001-02 165
2002-03 183
2003-04 162
2004-05 136
2005-06 139
Total 1784
Source : NHRC Annual Reports.
NHRC can intervene in any
case involving human rights
violation and can also visit
any place of violation of
human rights. In addition to
this, it has been given the
responsibility of conducting
research in the field of
human rights and spreading
human rights education and
awareness which will
create a culture of human
rights in India.
For the purpose of providing
justice to the victims of
human rights violation, the
commission has been given
the power of a civil court to
conduct inquiries and
investigation of such cases.
Torture in Police Custody
The data of the table clearly establish the fact that
'custodial death' is a phenomenon that very much
occurs in police custody everywhere in India. Unlike
custodial death, there is no official or unofficial record
of custodial torture cases, since torture in police
custody due to the use of third degree methods is
mostly suppressed and only few cases come to the
notice of public. Numerous torture cases have been
repor ted in the news media but these cases
represent only a fraction of the real total. Amnesty
International observed in its report, "torture frequently
goes unreported unless there is an investigation by
an independent human rights or civil liberties body,
some form of public pressure or protest or a political
dimension. Even civil rights activists and journalists
who expose human rights violation by police have
also been detained and ill treated."? As Prof. Upendra
Baxi says, "by the very nature of the activity, illegal
violence by police is difficult to document
scientifically. It is, therefore, only through reports
and commissions of inquiry, judicial decisions,
scholarly analysis and official reports, works of the
NGOs, media and lastly the fearful attitude of the
citizens towards police that we learn about the
varieties of the police torture
8
."
The issue of custodial deaths and torture has far
reaching consequences for the victim; for the image
of the police; and for a civilized and democratic
society. It is a growing challenge for the survival of
Indian democracy itself. This uncivilised practice of
policemen not only erodes the image of the police
but more significantly it affects the legitimacy and
credibility of democratic governance. The idea of
liberty and justice enshrined in our constitution will
be a distant dream, if this inhuman act of police is
not checked.
Custodial Crime and NHRC
The most fundamental of all rights is undeniably the
right to life and liberty. NHRC believes that denial of
this basic right to a human being or impediments
brought in the way of attainment of this right, in any
manner, is cause of concern for the society as a
whole. Therefore, when the state apparatus is
accused of being the cause of custodial crime/
violence (death, rape and torture in custody), it
would not be wrong to say that it is wilfully abdicating
its most basic and fundamental duty towards the
citizens in a democratic system, the commission
believes. The very core of democratic philosophy
rests on the presumption that the state shall not do
anything that impedes or denies the right to life of any
individual except by the due process of law.
9
Therefore,
the commission has, since its establishment, been
grappling with the problem of the custodial justice
system in the country. As a result of the persistent
efforts of the commission, in recent years, more
and more cases of violence in custody have been
highlighted and exposed. It has always been the
priority of the commission to curb custodial violence.
In particular it has focused on the most serious of its
manifestations-custodial deaths.
Towards this objective, the Commission soon after
its set-up, issued guidelines to all state governments
in December 1993, stating that it must be informed
of any incident of custodial death or rape within 24
hours of any such occurrence. Information on
custodial deaths was to be followed by a post-
mortem report, a videography report on the post-
mor term examination, an inquest repor t, a
magisterial enquiry repor t, a chemical analysis
report etc., failing which the commission would
presume that there was an attempt to suppress the
incidents. In accordance with its guidelines the
agencies of the state have been informing the
commission whenever such incidents have
occurred. The commission, since 1993 till 2006, has
received the information of 13,281 deaths having
occurred both in police and judicial custody.
Assertive Role of NHRC
In all cases of custodial deaths, the Commission has
recommended payment of interim relief to the kith
and kin of the victims and these recommendations,
in most of the cases, were accepted and
implemented by state governments. Besides this, it
has also given recommendations for departmental
or criminal actions to be taken against the guilty
officials, but these recommendations are not always
implemented by concerned authorities.
The commission initiates
inquiries of the cases of
human rights violation on the
basis of a petition filed by a
victim or by any person on
his/her behalf or on its own
initiative.
The important issue here is
not to conduct inquiries to
establish the fact of violation
of human rights, but how to
punish those who are found
guilty in this process. It is
required to note that NHRC
has no power to punish or to
take any action against any
authority.
The following cases exemplify the assertive role of
NHRC with regard to granting of interim reliefs.
Case Study I
In the case of death of Sukumar Panja on 17.3.98 in
the custody of police in Mayurbhanj, Orissa, the
Commission was repor ted that the deceased
committed suicide in the lock up. But the commission
observed that "the fact remains that Sukumar Panja
died while he was in the custody of the police. It was
their (police officers on duty) responsibility to see
that no harm of any kind is caused to him while he
was in their custody. It shows negligence on their
part in performance of their duties and they failed to
protect his human rights". On this basis, the
commission asked the state government to pay the
interim relief to the kith and kin of the deceased. In
response to this the state government stated that the
deceased did not commit suicide due to any kind of
torture by the police or due to violation of his human
rights in any manner. As such, there appeared to be
no reason for grant of any interim relief to the next of
kin of the decreased. Being unsatisfied with the
response of the state government, the commission
reiterated that the state is liable to compensate for
the negligence of the police officers on duty, in the
light of the law settled by the Supreme Court in the
case of Nilabati Behera vs. State of Orissa.
Accordingly, the commission again recommended
to the state government to pay the interim relief of
Rs. 50,000/- to the next kin of the deceased. As a
result, the interim relief of Rs. 50,000/- was paid by
the state government on 25th Oct., 2005.
10
Case Study II
In another case in which Chityal a Sudhakar died in
police custody in Karim Nagar, Andhra Pradesh, on
September 20, 1998, a complaint came to NHRC
stating that the deceased was whisked away by
police personnel on 23.9.98 and detained unlawfully,
beaten up mercilessly and ultimately taken to
hospital on 28.9.98 where he succumbed to injuries.
Taking cognizance, the Commission on directed the
government of Andhra Pradesh to produce reports
of the case and called explanation for not reporting
deaths in custody to it. Joint Collector and ADM
submitted a magisterial inquiry repor t to the
Commission on 26.7.2000 in which it was stated
that the deceased had died due to head injuries,
which could have been caused due to falling from
police station staircase and hitting a sharp edge of
one of the projected parts of the staircase. There
was no direct evidence that the deceased had died
due to the fatal blow of the police beating, though
there was enough evidence to prove that the
deceased was beaten to such an extent that he was
unable to walk freely on his own. The post-mortem
report indicated 19 ante-mortem injuries on the body
of the deceased and the cause of death was indicated
as 'head and spinal injury.
The Commission on 10.12.2002 considered the
report and observed, "There is ample evidence to
come to the conclusion that it is a case of custodial
death. It is unambiguous that the deceased was
arrested by the police on 23.9.98 and was brutally
tortured in the police custody and was unlawfully
detained upto 28.9.98." The Commission directed
government of AP to show cause as to why
immediate interim relief may not be awarded to next
of kin of the deceased and the government of AP
was also called upon to intimate the Commission
about action taken against errant police officials.
Consequently the AP government intimated the
Commission that a sum of Rs. 20,0001- was paid to
the mother of the deceased as interim relief.
However, the Commission, on 3.8.05, took note of
the payment of Rs. 20,0001 to the mother of the
deceased and considered the amount too meagre
and inadequate. Accordingly it recommended the
state of AP to pay an additional amount of Rs.
50,0001- to the mother of the deceased. On this note
of NHRC, the AP government paid Rs. 50,0001- to
the said person on 27.9.05.
11
Stringent Action
Custodial torture, which is another form of violation
of right to life and personal liberty in the most barbaric
manner, has been a major concern of NHRC. The
Commission believes in the view that custodial
torture is preventable and that is the responsibility
of the state to protect the rights of the people in
This is the point that was
one of the factors for which
the very establishment of
NHRC was criticised. This
Act makes the commission
an investigatory and
recommendatory body
rather than an accusatory or
judicial body.
custody. "There should be zero tolerance for any
kind of violation of human rights in custody", has
always been the motto of the Commission. Since
day one, the Commission has seriously taken up
many cases of custodial torture of various forms
from various parts of the country every year. The
commission after conducting inquiries and
investigation of such cases, recommended stringent
actions against the erring police personnel and other
custodial authorities. But unfortunately state agencies
are apathetic towards these recommendations.
Dedicated Cell
In order to streamline the existing procedure relating
to the scrutiny of incidents of custodial violence, the
Commission created a separate cell within its
Investigation Division. This cell was entrusted with
the task of obtaining relevant documents from the
concerned authorities and then critically analysing
them with a view to assisting the Commission in
deciding whether any further action was required to
be taken in respect of such incidents. Besides, the
state governments, on the recommendations of
NHRC, have established Human Rights Cells in their
police headquarters. These cells are entrusted with
the responsibility of promoting human rights
condition in their respective state and act as vital
link between the Commission and the state
government. However, the commission has
observed that these cells are not able to carry out
the roles assigned to them for a variety of reasons
including the want of adequate infrastructure.12 In
fact NHRC has been pursuing these cells to play a
more pro-active role in improving human rights
condition in the state. Above all, the commission
has been pressurising the Government of India to
ratify the Convention Against Torture (CAT), signed
by India on October 4, 1997.
In regard to arrest, the Commission time and again
emphasized on the observation of guidelines for
arrest set out in D.K. Basu case
13
by the Supreme
Court. NHRC as a monitoring body over deaths and
other violence in police custody, has been emphasing
on scientific, professional and humane approach to
be adopted by police personnel towards persons
detained for investigations. With a view to reduce
custodial crime, the commission has already taken
many steps to provide human rights training to the
police personnel. It has made extensive
recommendations, aimed at reforming cer tain
aspects of the administration of the criminal justice
system so as to make it more sensitive to human
rights considerations. For the past several years, it
has been emphasizing with increasing urgency that
major reforms in the line as suggested by NPM and
BPR&D, are needed in the structure and process of
police organisations.
Summing Up
How effective NHRC has been to curb the custodial
crime - custodial deaths and torture? What impact
NHRC has on the police in terms of making them
sensitive towards the human rights of the people in
general and suspects in custody in particular? These
are the questions that bother each one of us even
after fifteen years of functioning of the Commission.
Table-II
Custodial Deaths in Delhi
In pre-NHRC period In post-NHRC period
Year No. of Cases Year No. of Cases
1985 8 1994-1995 5
1986 5 1995-1996 7
1987 5 1996-1997 5
1988 7 1997-1998 11
1989 4 1998-1999 N.A.
1990 4 1999-2000 6
1991 13 2000-2001 9
1992 7 2001-2002 5
1993 6 2002-2003 2
2003-2004 3
2004-2005 5
2005-2006 3
" Source : NHRC Reports and PUDR Reports
The data of the table I and II makes us to believe that
the incident of "custodial death" are occurring in
police custody even after the sincere efforts of NHRC
to check it and surprisingly the number of deaths has
not decreased significantly in the post-NHRC period.
During the period from 1994 to 2006, sixty one people
died in police custody in Delhi, while 1,895 people
died all over India. On an average, 5 custodial deaths
take place every year in police custody in Delhi
after the formation of NHRC, whereas the number of
such cases was just more than six per year before
the establishment of the Commission. The marginal
decline of custodial death cases in post-NHRC era
is not a ground on which the NHRC's success in
preventing this inhuman act is to be justified.
However, it is a fact that all deaths in police custody,
wherever it takes place, are recorded after the
formation of the NHRC because of its strict
guidelines to all district officials to report the matter
to the commission, whereas earlier many such cases
were not coming to public notice and record. But if
we compare the number of deaths in the initial years
with that of the recent years in post NHRC era, it may
be concluded that there is marginal decline in this
number, and only the future can prove how effective
the NHRC is in checking the deaths in police custody.
The Commission's achievements in terms of
checking or preventing custodial tor ture is not
miraculous or extraordinary, though it has taken a
serious note of cases involving misconduct and
unlawful activities of the police in the last fifteen
years. The number of cases of custodial torture,
repor ted to NHRC and investigated by it, is
increasing year after year. The last few annual
repor ts of the Commission reveal that the
commission receives around 73 to 75 thousand
complaints of violation of human rights every year,
out of which cases involving custodial crime or
related to police atrocities constitute a substantial
number. Therefore, it cannot be said that human
rights violation by police or more specifically
custodial crime have ceased to occur with the
establishment of NHRC.
Notwithstanding the above fact, the creation of NHRC,
however, has added an entirely new and innovative
dimension to the state's efforts to promote human
rights and to check their violation. Over the years,
the commission, with its limitation of being an
advisory and recommendory body, has endeavoured
to give a positive meaning and content to the
objectives set out in our constitution and PHR Act.
The commission has worked vigorously and
effectively to create awareness and to sensitise
police officials about human rights. It has always
embarrassed the police exposing their acts of
violation of human rights. Its efforts in the field of
custodial crime have not only highlighted the issue
but also made the law enforcement officials
conscious of their duties and created in them a fear
of being exposed and punished for any of their
excesses and mistakes. The commission' s
recommendations for the grant of immediate interim
relief to the victims of custodial crime or to their
family members, which in most of the cases have
been accepted and implemented by the concerned
authorities, is considered to be its most
distinguished achievement.
The NHRC is doing its best, but its efforts still have
not been very fruitful either in checking the police
from committing the unlawful activities or in reducing
the number of cases of custodial deaths and torture,
and use of third degree methods in custody. The
problem lies with the non-implementation or half-
hearted implementation of its recommendations to
check custodial crime/violence and more
par ticularly the recommendations regarding
departmental and criminal actions against the faulty
police officials, by the concerned authorities. The
irony is that the commission's recommendations
are neither considered worthless nor disrespected
by the police organisations but they are not
implemented by them.
Urgency of Police Reforms
It is apparent that 'custodial death' or 'torture death'
and 'custodial torture' are product of the larger
system of violent culture that exists in police
organisations, which in turn is caused by various
structural, procedural and behavioural shortcomings
of the age-old colonial police system. It is widely
realised both by the police authorities as well as the
public in general that a comprehensive reform in
police organisation is overdue, and for this purpose,
Law Commission, National Police Commission,
NHRC, Bureau of Police Research and Development
and various judicial decisions have suggested
numerous reform measures.
The need of the hour, besides the efforts that NHRC
and judiciary are doing, is to implement all the reform
measures suggested till today to make Indian police
a human-rights sensitive organisation. Today, police,
in a democratic and human rights conscious society,
is expected to change its age-old role perceptions,
personality traits, behavioural parameters and
methods of operations. There is a need of paradigm
shift from the perception of police being "an executive
arm" or "agent of the state" or "a brutal law-enforcing
machinery" and "a repressive force" into a "citizen-
friendly (citizen in uniform) police"; police as 'public
servants' respecting and protecting the rights and
liber ties of the people who are the fount of all
authority of the state and government including that
of police in a democracy.
It is evident that custodial crime (custodial death
and torture) and police atrocities can not be stopped
by merely establishing NHRC. As we cannot
eradicate crime by punishing the criminals, similarly
it is not wise to find the solution often adopted by
NHRC to the problem of custodial crime by arranging
compensation to the victims or to their family
members or by punishing the guilty police officials
in such cases. For that, a comprehensive reform in
police is required.
Notes
1. The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993,
Section 2, Clause l(d).
2. Upendra Baxi, "The State and Human Rights
Movements in India", in V.T.
3. Patil and T.S.N. Sastry (eds.), Studies in Human
Rights, Pondicharry, P.R. Books, 2000, pp. 15-
16.
4. lbid.
5. Manoranjan Mohanty, "Changing Definition of
Rights in India", in Sujarat Patel, J. Bagchi and
K. Raj (eds.), Thinking Social Science in India,
New Delhi, Sage Publication, 2002, p. 430.
6. Arun Ray, National Human Rights Commission
o/India, Vol. I, New Delhi, Khanna Pulbisher,
2004, pp. 83-84.
7. India-Torture, Rape and Deaths in Custody, Delhi,
Amnesty International, 1992, p. 9.
8. Upendra Baxi, Crisis in Indian Legal System,
Delhi, Vikas Publishing House, 1978, p. 26.
9. NHRC Annual Report 2005-06, p. 24.
10. See the Case No. 381/l/98-99-AD reported in
NHRC Annual Report 200506, pp. 40-42.
11. See the case No. 381/1/98-99-AD reported in
NHRC Annual Report 200506, pp. 40-42.
12. NHRC Annual Report 2001-02, pp. 32, 33 and 38.
13. D.K. Basu vs. State of West Bengal, AIR 1997
SC 610.
Introduction
The fact that cyber crimes are taken as white - collar
crimes, their detection becomes very difficult as
these crimes, in most of the cases, were not reported.
This indicates that their cognizance was not taken
by the society. Therefore, the study on incidence of
cyber crime remained a complex matter. Hence,
elaborate plan was prepared to include most relevant
issues for this study.
Cyber crimes have been investigated as new
generation crimes with varied forms and practices,
including crimes performed by abusing electronic
devices (e-crimes), using higher versions of
technology (high-tech crime) etc. Thus, the study
conducted was aimed at sociology of cyber crime,
not the criminology of crime and the respondents
do not beget to be known criminal castes,
community, group, gang or criminalised parentage.
They are the white-collar specialized people, who
are termed here as 'cyber punks' because of the
fact that they have plunged in to cyber technology
and who are required to work with computer, under
the allurement of its probable and possible use for
immoral or illegal selfish purposes, divergent from
socially approved norms and professional ethics.
Nandini* (2006) described spatial behaviour of
criminals relating to the location of opportunities
from crime. Pavan Duggal (2006) reported that
Internet and new emerging technologies have
equi pped the cri mi nal s wi th speed and
communication and the latest skills.
Awareness and Chronology
European Convention on Cyber Crime in 1999 put
the foundation of world wide awareness on cyber
crimes. As a pro-active action, Indian Government
promulgated Information Technology Act, which
contains 94 sections, including four schedules. But
the pace of High Tech Crime (HTC) surpassed the
Act and a number of computer related crimes were
beyond the preview of this Act. This needed suitable
amendment to IT Act. Still lot more is required in
order to contain IT abuses, which is jeopardizing all
the norms of society in general and people's
limitation in par ticular. Exper ts have been
highlighting these problems through media reports,
the pace of which is increasing since the year 2003.
Wasan (1999), addressing the National Seminar on
Cyber Crime emphasized that target group like senior
executives of bank, investigating officials of CBI, State
police, forensic science labs, computer consultants
and resource persons are required to exercise
enough vigilance over it. Police officials need to be
made aware of cyber crime by training and of security
audit applications, he added.
Chawla (2003) emphasized that the first and foremost
need is to enhance public awareness of the variety
and scale of cyber crime. Banks and financial
institutions, Govt., public and private organizations,
business and corporate houses must be sensitized
to this threat for which these would be the major
victims. The public at large should also become aware
as more and more individuals and families are joining
Internet and exposed to crime like, invasion of privacy,
harassment, intimidation, blackmail, pornography,
obscenity and financial frauds.
Vitek Boden (2003) in his article, "cyber menace"
elaborated on the darkest side of IT. Quoting Ravi
Vishvesvaraya Prasad, Head of the "Group on 4th
Generation Warfare" reported that it escaped 44
attempts of security system hacking. He mentioned
Detecting Cyber Crime
Social Perspectives
Dr. TejSingh Keshwal*, Dr. (Smt.) Preetibala Mishra**
Key Words
New Generation Crime,
Sociology.
Criminology IT Act
Public Awareness
4th Generation Warfare
ISRT
HTC
Cognitive Changes
Crimes
*Research Fellow, BPR&D, MHA
Govt. of India
**Assistant Professor of Sociology,
Govt. Womens Autonomous
College, Jabalpur (MP)
further that China's "Peoples Liberation Army" has
integrated the latest C4 generation of common control
communication and computer Intelligence
Surveillance, Reconnaissance and Targeting (ISRT)
device under people's war doctrine. It also plans to
put information mines, info-bombs and dumping
information garbage.
Methodology
The methodology followed included visits of ten
concerned organizations and institutions like S.V.B.P.
National Police Academy, Hyderabad, NASSCOM
Mumbai, Cyber Crime Laboratory, Pune, Cyber Crime
Unit Mimbai Police, Cyber Clubs, Mumbai, BPR&D
Delhi, LNJ National Forensic Science Institute New
Delhi. Chandigarh, Sagar, Cyber Crime Units Delhi
Police and M.P. Police Bhopal. In addition
consultations were done with eminent cyber crime
experts located at five metrocities. More than 52
specialists located at these institutions were
consulted. Two national seminars on cyber crime
were also attended for the purpose. For ty four
preliminary survey proforma were got filled from
these personnel, which were used to formulate the
study schedule and questionnaire. In addition 240
media reports were screened involving news paper
reports of HTC, television, radio, Internet and crime
as well as technology magazines.
On the basis of primary observations, respondents
were selected for recording further observations.
Data on location of HTC, their types and forms were
complied and presented in tabular form. Based on
distribution of HTC, four categories of cyber punks
emerged. Ten areas of incidence were identified.
Observations further revealed that practically no
area of the society was free from HTC. Cyber crimes
were observed in every field of computer and IT.
Mainly two forms of HTC were detected viz. computer
related crimes and computer system based crimes.
Computer related crimes were found in four forms
and computer system based crimes in six forms
(Table 1 & 2).
Out of the 200 respondents detected, four broad
categories emerged as described below:
Category 1: Criminals or Persons
Associated with HTC
They included persons who performed the crime
involved in completing operation of crime and
utilizing gains and / or supervising computer
activities. This way 60 respondents were selected
for further observations.
Category 2: Guardians of Crime
They included persons patronizing HTC acts, running
cyber caf, computer shops, Internet agencies and
similar units acting as knowledge source of crime,
tools of crime, and guarding or supporting their
activities knowingly or unknowingly. This way 50
respondents were selected for further study.
Category 3: Protectors of Crime
They included personnel from police and other law
enforcement agencies, handling HTC cases and
investigating computer offences, forensic experts,
lawyers, experts from IT companies and cyber crime
units. This way 40 respondents were selected for
further observations.
Category 4 : Victims of Crime
They included persons, organizations and agencies
who fell victim of cyber crime activities by virtue of
their ignorance, negligence, lack of awareness or
by adopting HTC as fashion. Owning to illicit
softwares, helped their use and purchasing pirated
softwaers. This way 50 respondents were selected
for further study.
Data presented in tables show that practically all
the organizations, using computers, in their fields /
areas of computer applications including web sites,
Internet and e-mail were subjected to HTC. Locations
of these crimes included banks, financial institutions,
security organizations, defence units, research
institutions, academic colleges, telecommunication
networks and even government offices were made
target of HTC. Common crimes observed included,
virus attacks, system hacking, stalking, cyber
tresspass, identity theft, piracy, pornography, bank
Abstract
Cyber crimes have been
investigated as new
generation crimes with
varied forms and practices,
including crimes committed
by abusing electronic
devices (e-crimes), using
higher versions of
technology high-tech crime
(HTC), etc. Thus, the study
conducted was aimed at
sociology of cyber crime,
not the criminology of crime
and the respondents do not
beget to be known criminal
castes, community, group,
gang or criminalised
parentage.
Detecting Cyber Crime Social Perspectives
9. Social and legal organization.
10. Telecom establishments, TV channels, cable
operation.
Information was also collected through discussion
on uses and abuses of computer, IT and ITes and
asking about the pros and cons of HTC. Data show
that 23 types of crimes were occurring. Distribution
of these crimes was suitably organized in to four
categories of respondents. In all, 132 cases of HTC
were investigated and explained here.
Categoriwise, HTC were found to be distributed in
all the categories except in protectors category
that included respondents belonging to police
organizations par ticularly computer exper ts in
crime branches, specialists, judges, advocates,
elites, forensic scientists and police educationists.
In criminal category 60 cases belonging to all the
groups of HTC were recorded in both the classes
i.e. computer related crimes and computer system
based crimes. There were 12 crimes in use-net
group of crimes that included sale and distribution
of pirated material softwares, identity (ID) theft
They are the white-collar
specialized people who are
termed here as 'cyber punks'
because of the fact that they
have plunged in to cyber
technology and who are
required to work with
computer under the
allurement of its probable
and possible use for immoral
or illegal selfish purposes
divergent from socially
approved norms and
professional ethics.
Types of HTC and their Distribution
Table 1. Agencies of HTC
Agency / group / section of society involved Field / area / location*
1. Criminals and persons associated with crime 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Criminals, computer vendors, IT agents, technicians, computer
operators, helpers, clients and customers
2. Guardians of crime 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Computer shop owners, cyber caf owners, CD shops,
computer college, computers engineers/experts, BPO employees,
electronic shop owners.
3. Protectors of crime 3, 7, 9
Police personnel / experts dealing HTC cases, crime branch
experts, in-charge of cyber crimes, cyber crime experts,
advocates, law enforcement agencies and elites.
4. Victims of crime 1, 4, 5, 7, 10
Bank personnel, students, customers of software institutions,
youths, girls, ladies and innocent computer users
frauds, spoofing, espionage, spamming and
tampering with data or information. Five broad
categories of HTC were identified for further study.
These were : i. Computer related crime ii. Computer
system based crimes iii. Internet, e-mail, use-net
crime, iv. Web-site offence, v. Internet relay-chat.
*
1. Banks and financial institutions.
2. Security organizations, offices, defence
establishments.
3. Computer software shop, IT companies,
BPO Co.
4. Institutions, computer college, corporate offices.
5. Cyber space, Internet, web-site, e-mails.
6. Place / system of work of technicians, electronic
shops, computer vendors, photocopy shops,
mobile shops.
7. IT services, URL programs, cyber security
firms.
8. Extortion sites, drug trafficking, cyber lottery
centers.
and data sale. This was followed by 11 cases when
computer was used as incidental for committing
crimes like bank frauds, slicing, money laundering
and credit card mis-use. Piracy cases using
computer as subject were six, website defacing
and pornography six, e-mail crimes four and
Internet crimes including hacking, spamming
and i nformat i on t heft were si x. Cases of
gambling, cyber lottery were also six. In the
category of guardi ans of cri me the cases
recorded were 41 with highest number of 12 in
use-net crime. Crimes in this category were
di st r i but ed i n al l t he 10 gr oups. These
respondents i ncl uded owners of computer
shops, cyber caf, C.D. shops, electrical /
electronic shops, computer colleges, computer
technicians, engineers, company exper ts and
BPO employees.
Table 2. Type of HTC and their distribution
Type and forms of crime Category wise incidents
Cat. 1 2 3 4 Total
A. Computer related crime :
I. Computer used as : Incidental 11 4 0 0 15 I
(Bank frauds like, slicing, money
laundering, credit card misuse)
II. As subject like piracy 8 6 0 0 14
III. As instrument like gambling, 6 4 0 2 12
cyber piracy
IV. As subject like cyber trespass, virus, 3 2 0 4 9
IP/CR theft)
Total 28 13 00 6 50
B. Computer system based crimes:
I. Internet crime (hacking, virus attack, 6 3 0 2 11
spamming, information theft)
II. Use-net crime (sale and distribution 12 12 0 4 28
of pirated material/software, identity
theft, data sale)
III. E-mail crime (defamation, cheating, 4 1 0 2 7
espionage)
IV. Website crimes (defacing, 6 4 0 5 15
pornography)
V. Internet relay chat (stalking, 2 1 0 0 3
tampering, spoofing)
VI. Others (M.M.S. pornography, 2 4 0 12 18
mobile and DVD misuses)
Total 32 25 00 26 82
Grand total 60 41 0 32 132
1. Criminals, 2. Guardians of crime, 3. Protectors of crime, 4. Victims of crime
In the victims category, which included bank
personnel, students, institutes, public, boys, girls
and ladies, HTC cases recorded were 32. There
were 12 cases of MMS porns. Use-net and website
crimes were four and five respectively. Group wise,
respondents of criminal and guardians of crime
categories were distributed in all the ten groups,
and victims in seven groups. Class wise the cases
were distributed more or less in equal number.
In criminal category, guardians as well as victims
categories computer system based crimes
were more.
Incidence of HTC and its Reasons
On the crime and criminal side, study embodies
information about cyber punks and related agencies
identified from ten fields and areas of computer use
including banks, financial organizations, computer
software companies, colleges, computer vendors,
software dealers, IT service providers, technicians,
police personnel, law enforcing personnel handling
HTC cases, students and professionals. They were
grouped according to their association with crime in
four categories. Accordingly, the data obtained were
screened and described categoriwise in the text.
Study per tains to 132 cases of cyber crime,
which included 50 computer related crimes and
82 computer system based crimes. There were ten
types of crimes done in 23 forms. Higher percentage
of respondents revealed low incidence of HTC and
the performance was in difficult form done by any
body or agency handling computers or utilizing
IT enabled services.
Incidence of cyber crime was found to have positive
relationship with socio-personal-economic aspects,
cognitive change in the individual, social
vulnerabilities prevalent, social parameters applied
to HTC, social pattern, norms and main stream
values associated. Communicational, psychological
and entrepreneurial factors were also found to have
significant effect on HTC incidence. Incidence of HTC
was found to be significantly higher but its adoption
was low. Higher the entrepreneurial attributes, lower
was the adoption of HTC. No particular group or
section of society was found to be responsible for
HTC incidence. However, drive for technology had
significant positive relationship with HTC incidence.
Mohan and Saxena (2002) conducted an analytical
study on bank frauds and scam in India. They
discussed problems of bank frauds, ways and new
trends emerging. Vacca (2002) emphasized that
disgruntled bank employees were found to siphon
funds from customer's account, downloading identity
codes and involve in intentional or unintentional
deletion or damage of data or system. Subhash Dey
(2000) repor ted credit card frauds and the
compliexities involved in tracing such crimes.
Saravade and Saravade (2003) described emerging
trends in cyber frauds in India and suggested need
of appropriate training and awareness. Dudeja
(2003) discussed International perspectives of
computer related crimes in his book. He also
described IPR laws and security concerns in India.
Kataria (2005) describing challenges to police in
21st century explained that about 27 crores
websites in the world are connected to Internet
system. All major cities in India are becoming seat
of high-tech crime. Barring a few, the whole system
in the country is ignorant about cyber crime. The
situation is feared worst in case IT becoming
popular in rural areas. Nazia Vasi (2005) quoting
Neeraj Roy of Hangama com reported that online
gambling revenue touches dollars 16 b. In India,
pirated games wor th Rs. 20-30 crores are in
operation which is expected to grow by 50 per cent
in next five year. *Nona Walia (2006) reported that
there are more than 100 independent online dating
agencies in Britain chasing a market that is valued
at about 12 m dollar by the year 2008.
Culture and Crime Detection
Wasan (1999) discussed the measures to check the
possibilities of development of cyber crimes and
identification of the criminals. He points out towards
the role of society to see as to why and how certain
individuals engage themselves in behaviours not
accepted in the society. Arun Kumar (2000)
discussed steps for detection of cyber crime
elaborating the principles of social control in utilizing
IT facilities. He advocates role of society to detect
maladjusted personality traits of individuals engaged
in computer use. Rachhoya (2003) reported that in
the course of technologies changing in fast way, law
enforcement does business in the role of society
which holds high impor tance. Demographic
measures and social detection of deviance factors
and crime trends needs to be applied in appropriate
manner. (Barua and Doyal 2001).
Interpretations
Identification of cyber crime and agencies involved
Cyber crime has been a new happening for the country.
Hence, their location, form, field or the concerned
area as well as social parameters applied against
such crimes was the main problem. In addition to
this, detection of crime and identification of criminals
was difficult as these crimes were committed in the
cyber space beyond the national boundaries. Even
the appropriate legal provisions were not there.
Looking to all these complications, elaborate study
framework was prepared to accomplish this work.
Broad spectrum of study universe was planned,
involving latest tools of research incorporating
multidimensional variables. Data presented in Table
1 revealed a categorization of respondents in four
groups i.e. criminals, guardians of crime, protectors
of crime and victims of crime. This provided a unique
scenario yielding very useful information on the
subject. It was evident from the data that practically
all the organizations connected to computer networks
formed the target of such crimes. All the interconnected
fields and areas of computer applications including
web-sites, Internets, e-mails and bulletin boards were
exploited for HTC. The criminal gains of these crimes
were found to be so high and varied that no social field
or aspect of human life was untouched. Main locations
of these crimes were found to include banks, financial
institutions, security organizations, defence units,
research institutes, business, academic fields, and
government offices were made the main target of HTC.
In addition, individuals, families and social
organizations also suffered the havoc of cyber crime.
Main impact of crimes was found to be distributed
amongst the impor tant sections of the society.
Importance of the findings can be assessed from
the fact that practically all the units of the society
were troubled by HTC that has been designated as
white-collar crime. Four categories of respondents
have, thus, emerged out of the whole field of
observations. Starting from the computer shop
owners, technologists, institutions, technicians and
software handlers even systems were found to be
affected by cyber crime. Instances of affecting
ignorant youths, less aware professionals,
technocrats formed the category of worst sufferer.
Data also revealed that there were people who acted
as guardians of crime. They came from the main
branches of computer business, IT field and similar
areas connected to HTC. Their role was found to be
very complex in nature, which needs to be studied
in greater details. With regards to the respondents
categorized as protectors of crime, the situation was
found to be still intricated or complex as these people
were found to be least equipped against HTC with
respect to computer skill, tools techniques and
support from sufficient legal provisions and acts of
law. Another group of cyber punks categorized as
victims formed the most vulnerable group involved
in HTC. Their involvement was found to be due to
lack of proper knowledge of computer security
gadgets, proper awareness of computer
applications. Aided with flood of newer technologies
this group of computer users was found be prone to
cause breaches and unlawful acts annexed to
banking, finance, piracy and pornography.
These findings assume the support of assertions
forwarded by Pattishell (1987), Chakraborty (1998)
Balwinder Singh (2000) and Mishra (2002). Crime
is thus a human cognitive reaction of perceiving,
imagining, thinking and reasoning to get his wants
and goals fulfilled. Social stimuli help in adoption of
such traits. Accordingly an individual develops
personality and perception that tend to motivate him
for his actions including the act of crime. In this
process the individual creates his social and cultural
habitat. Social factors affect this process in a
complex way where in the individual forms an attitude
in response to his interaction, response and aptitude
for social norms (Krache et al. 1962). How an
individual conceives the world is dependent upon
the nature of the physical and social environments
in which he is immersed.
References
Barua, Y. and D.P. Doyal, 2001. Cyber crime notorious
humans and the Net. Dominant publications, New
Delhi, pp. 211-286.
Balwinder Singh, 2000. Cyber crime: a new challenge
for the police. CBI Bulletin, 8 (Feb.) pp. 35-37.
Chawla, A.S., 2003. Cyber crime : investigation and
prevention, Indian Police Journal 1 : 91-118.
Chakraborthy, Tapan, 1998. Computer crime Indian
scenario. Police Professional, Jan-March, 1998, pp.:
18-20.
David Krache, Richard S. Crutchfield and E.L.
Ballachey, 1962. Indvidual in society, Mc Graw Hill,
Kigakusha Ltd, London, p. 563.
Dudeja, V.D. 2003. Crimes in cyber space : Scams
and frauds. Cyber crime and law Vol. 1-2. Campus
books Pvt. Ltd. New Delhi, pp. 61-219.
Kataria, S. 2005. Challenges of police in 21st
century. Police Science, 90 (22) : 26-29.
Mishra, R.C. 2002. Cyber crime : Impact in the
new millenium, Authors Press, New Delhi, pp. 14-
139.
Mohan, P.M. and A.K. Saxena 2002. An analytical
study on bank frauds and scams in India.
Desertation, SVBPNPA, pp. 286.
Nandini, 2006. Crime in Delhi : A micro level
analysis Social Change, 36 (4) 101-113.
Pattishall, G. Evan, 1987. Behavioural sciences, Mc
Graw Hill Int. Ed. New York, pp. 380-400.
Rachhoya, P.N. 2003. Information technology
laws and cyber crimes. Kir ti Publication, Jaipur,
p. 290.
Vacca, J. 2002. Computer forensics : Compute crime
scene investigation. Firewall Media, Golden house
Daryaganj, New Delhi. pp. 731.
Wason, N.R. 1999. Note on the national seminar on
computer related crime and recommendations/
suggestions/ strategies. CBI Bulletin, Feb. 1999 pp.
58-59.
Introduction
Stress refers to the dynamic state which is caused
by the physical, psychological and social demands
and which is perceived by an individual as
threatening and exceeding his or her resources for
coping. This can lead to "strain" which can be
physical, mental or behavioural response or
manifestation.
The experience of occupational stress has long been
implicated in the development of negative outcomes
for the individual employee and the employing
organization. General well-being as well as levels
of satisfaction and commitment to the organization
has each been identified as decreasing as a result
of the employee experiencing occupational stress.
Major Causes & Consequences
According to Cooper and Marshall (1978), the major
causes of stress at work can be grouped into the
following six categories:
Factors Intrinsic to Job: The category includes
factors like poor working conditions, long hours,
shif t work, travel, risk and danger, new
technology, work overload nd work under load
which may lead to job dissatisfaction, job
tension, lowered self-esteem and many
physiological problems.
Role in Organization: Role ambiguity and Role
conflict can be a major cause of stress in an
organization. Role ambiguity exists when the
individual has inadequate information about his
work role. Role conflict exists when the
individual is 'torn' by conflicting job demands
or when the individual is required to do things
that he does not want to do and that are not part
of his job.
Relationships at Work: Relationships with
others in the workplace (bosses, peers,
subordinates) in terms of quality and social
support are suggested to be potential sources
of job-related strain (Cartwright & Cooper, 1997).
A breakdown in relationships with the people
one works with can lead to psychological strain
in the form of lowered job satisfaction and to
feelings of threat to one's well-being.
Career Development: Lack of job security (fear
of job loss, obsolescence or retirement) and
status incongruity (reaching career ceiling,
under or over-promotion) can be a major cause
of stress, especially for the employees who
value career progression.
Organizational Structure and Climate: Lack of
participation in decision-making processes;
lack of a sense of belonging; lack of effective
consultation; poor communication and
restrictions on behaviour results in lowered
levels of job satisfaction and higher levels of
poor health (mental and physical).
Organizational Interface with Outside: It
includes the interface between life outside and
life inside the organisation and may consist of
family problems, life crises, financial
difficulties, conflicts of belief and conflict with
family demands.
Consequences
The various factors outlined above can have
numerous consequences, which can be grouped in
three broad categories such as:
Psychological Strain includes responses such
as job dissatisfaction, depression, lowered self-
esteem, boredom, withdrawal and burnout.
Occupational Stress in BSF
Causes and Remedies
Manoj Chhabra,* Dr. Bindu Chhabra**
Key Words
Occupational Stress,
Border Security Force,
Psychological Strain,
Communication,
Leadership, Feedback,
Grievance Redress,
Stress Management.
*IPS, IG/Director
National Police Mission, BPR&D,
MHA, Govt. of India
**Associate Professor, HR&UB,
R.K.Puram, New Delhi
Physical or Physiological Strain is
hypothesized to manifest in symptoms such as
hypertension, changes in blood easnophils and
elevated serum cholesterol. Downs et al (1990)
outlined in their review that stress has been
physically related to cardiovascular disease,
hypertension, ulcers, asthma, and migraine
headaches.
Behavioural Changes are among the earliest
and most easily recognized signs of increases
in stress. Research has associated increased
cigarette smoking; increased alcohol and
recreational drug abuse, violence, stuttering,
overeating, and frequent utilization of health care
services as symptoms of behavioral strain
(Harrison, 1978; Quick et al., 1986; Edwards
et al., 1998).
Stress in Border Security Force (BSF)
BSF was raised in 1965 with strength of 25 Battalions
and 3 companies (coys). Over the years, the Force
has grown in size and as on date it has 157 Battalions
and over 2,10,000 personnel. Its major operational
responsibility is spread over approx. 6,400 kms along
the Indo-Pakistan and Indo-Bangladesh borders. BSF
is also deployed on the Line of Control (LOC) in J&K.
Apart from this, it is utilized quite often for Counter-
Insurgency, Elections and Internal security duties.
The work profile of BSF amalgamates the roles of
both military and police. The working conditions are
extremely tough as the force has to physically guard
the long and difficult borders which are mostly
hostile. The BSF jawans are present 24/7, 365 days
a year at the border. The border areas are extremely
backward, without basic amenities, and often without
any population for miles. Jawans are isolated,
without normal social interactions and away from
their families.
Police work is highly stressful since it is one of the
few occupations where employees are frequently
exposed to violence, cruelty and aggression and are
often required to make extremely critical decisions
in high-pressure situations. A Study by Johnson
(2005) found that Police was one of the six
professions where high stress led to maximum
impact in terms of poor health and low job
satisfaction. Paramilitary structures and hierarchies
tend to be rigidly stratified and unresponsive to
individual needs, which aggravate the problem. As
Stratton puts it, "People under stress make
mistakes". In policing, where job-related stress is
involved, the kind of mistakes that are likely to occur
can result into potentially irreparable, even fatal
consequence. The stress is often unbearably high
resulting into serious physical and mental strains.
The incidence of physical and psychological
problems faced by the force is rising over the years,
the most serious of which is the rising incidence of
suicide and fratricide. In fact, the rate of suicide in
BSF is way above the national average (approx.
10 per lakh population) and is also much higher than
that of the Indian Army. Table 1 gives details of the
incidence of suicides in BSF and other CPMFs.
Table 1. Comparative Figures of
Suicide Cases in CPMFs
Year 2004 2005 2006 2007 Total
BSF 30 31 37 35 133
CRPF 28 19 30 32 109
ITBP 03 02 05 03 13
SSB 01 06 06 01 14
CISF 06 13 08 09 36
Total 68 71 86 80 305
Source: BSF
Table 2. Comparative Statistics for
Suicide Cases in Army and BSF (Per Lakh)
Year Army BSF
2003 9.08 14.16
2004 9.87 14.65
2005 9.48 15.14
2006 13.63 18.12
2007 12.56 17.09
2008 10.97 14.16
Source: Army/BSF
Abstract
Stress, leading to suicides
and homicides, is one of the
major problems facing the
BSF personnel. Tough
working conditions, lack of
basic amenities, long
working hours, physical
separation from the family,
tight controls and rigidly
stratified hierarchies have
been considered the
reasons for the high level of
stress. However, no formal
study has been conducted to
actually ascertain the
various causes of stress in
the Border Security Force.
The present study uses the
inputs provided by the
Occupational Stress in BSF Causes and Remedies
personnel, of various ranks
in the Force, at the field level
to understand the causes of
Stress. The study also
discusses various ways to
reduce stress, so as to
improve the physical and
psychological health of the
BSF personnel and to
improve the overall
efficiency of the force.
The high stress levels have been a matter of serious
concern for the BSF and other forces. The Bureau of
Police research & Development (BPR&D) has been
conducting studies on the stress situation in the
CPMFs and Police, which have shown that the stress
levels in the forces are rising and the issue needs to
be addressed squarely. No studies have been
conducted specifically for the Stress situation in the
BSF as yet, therefore, this is practically a virgin
territory. This study aims to identify various stressors
in BSF and to recommend suitable measures for
stress reduction and management, based on the data
provided by the respondents.
Methodology
Design
This study has an exploratory and cross-sectional
design.
Participants
As the BSF is deployed both in Western and Eastern
parts of the country, this study was conducted at
two places: Amritsar in the Western and Kolkatta
(Krishannagar) in the Eastern theatre. The personnel
are categorized in various ranks. The three major
categories are:
Jawans or ORs (Other Ranks) : This includes
constables and Havildars who comprise the
bulk of the force at the field level.
SOs (Subordinate Officers) : They are the junior
level non-commissioned officers who
command the force at Platoon and Coy levels.
Officers : They command the force at Coy,
Battalion and above levels. Only Assist. &
Deputy Commandants participated as they are
posted at the field level.
In all, 167 force personnel participated in the study.
However, due to data loss, the final data was
available for 85 ORs, 46 SOs and 30 Officers, i.e.
total 161 respondents.
More than 60% of the respondents are ORs who
form the bulk of the force. All the participants were
deployed in the field locations as the stress is highest
there. Before the study was conducted, the aim and
purpose was explained to them and only willing
volunteers were asked to take part. The respondents
were both married & unmarried males as BSF does
have any female force. Their age ranged between
20 to 56 years, the respondents belonged to both
urban and rural backgrounds. They came from all
parts of the country with educational background
ranging from Matriculation to Post-graduation.
Instruments
A list of 17 questions was prepared based on
the actual field interaction with many BSF
personnel as well as experiences of many
veteran BSF offi cers and staff. These
questions related to the specific working
conditions and instances which have in the
past been known to be stress inducing i.e.
l eave rel ated matters, i nteracti on wi th
superiors, etc. The list of questions was in
yes/no format with scope to elaborate so as
to obtain maximum information
The participants were asked to list out and
elaborate upon their stressors under various
broad categories in an open-ended format to
know which particular factors were causing
more stress.
Realizing that the solution to the problem of
stress also has to be evolved from the ground
level, the participants were also asked to give
their own views and recommendations to lower
the stress levels. They were encouraged to
provide their free and frank views and were
assured of anonymity. This helped to formulate
final recommendations.
Analysis & Discussion
The inputs provided were then analyzed and
evaluated. The study has brought out many factors
which contribute to the high levels of stress. Since
the inputs were received on a semi- structured and
somewhat open-ended questionnaire, there are
many responses which fall in more than one
categor y, and there cannot be a water tight
separation. Major stressors which were identified
are as follows:
Inadequate Sleep and Rest
An overwhelming majority (72%) of the respondents
do not get adequate sleep & rest. The numbers are
higher for the ORs (77%), many of whom report
getting sleep for only about 4 hrs on a regular basis.
Sleep deprivation and inadequate recoupment on a
regular basis for such a large proportion is bound to
have serious consequences. The attention span gets
shorter, people become irritable and performance
is bound to go down. Chronic sleep deprivation can
lead to diseases and lowering of immunity, apart
from obvious behavioural and mental problems. Often
the Jawans end up working for major part of the day
and then go for night duty. Chronic inadequate sleep
can and does have long term effects on the physical
and mental health.
The SOs (67%) and Officers (60%) also report not
getting proper rest and sleep. They are the leaders
of the force and the quality of leadership will suffer
in such circumstances. The clarity of vision,
calmness and equanimity needed in times of crisis
can not be ensured under such conditions. An officer
who is himself overworked and tense is not likely to
be very sympathetic to the problems of his force.
The burden of responsibility and inadequate strength
contributes to their problems.
Poor Communication and Inapproachability of
Seniors
Majority (54%) does not feel that they can approach
their seniors as and when required. Amongst the
ORs, 2 out of 3 believe that they can not approach
their seniors. Even among the SOs, who are the
buffer between the ORs and the Officers, 50% of
them feel the same way. It is only the Officers who
have a reasonably free access to their seniors (70%).
What does it tell us about the force as a whole?
Clearly, the channels of communication between the
base level and the seniors are blocked. In an armed
force like BSF, there is a clear chain of command
and breaking it can have serious consequences.
If the immediate senior is not friendly or cooperative,
there is very little a person can do as there are no
other channels of communication.
This may only be a perception, but it determines the
behaviour and beliefs of the force. If most of them do
not believe that their seniors listen to their problems,
they slowly withdraw and become cynical. This has
already happened to a cer tain extent, many
responded that there is no point in going to the senior
officers as they are the source of the problem and
they will not help anyway. The implications are
obvious: leadership is losing the trust and loyalty of
the force.
Leave Related Issues
Approximatly, 60% of respondents reported not
getting leave timely. The problem is felt most acutely
by the Ors (68%) and least by the Officers (50%).
However, it is a matter of degree only. This is felt to
be one of the most significant stressors. The study,
also shows that it is not denial of leave per se, but
not getting it when required which creates the
problem. There are certain other aspects related to
leave which make it a major stressor. These include:
Delay in processing leading to uncertainty
Arbitrary exercise of discretion in deciding leave
matters
Partiality in granting leave
Lack of transparency
It is not difficult to understand the constraints of the
organization in granting timely leave to all, as many
want to go in festival season and it is not possible to
accommodate all. While it will never be possible to
give leave to everyone as and when they want, the
administrative and procedural issues can be sorted
out to reduce uncertainty, arbitrariness and unfairness.
The uncertainty also creates problems for them in
getting reservations, etc. The dissatisfaction levels
as high as 66-67% can not be good for the health of
any organization.
Poor Infrastructure & Lack of Basic Amenities
It was seen that officers and SOs are more satisfied
with the infrastructure and basic amenities (70%)
as compared to Ors (50%). The field locations are
quite remote and the accommodation is often very
basic. The troops often have to stay in tents or in
ramshackle temporary structures. There is lack of
basic facilities like water and sanitation. This is
dehumanizing and is also a security risk. The food
they eat is not always good and the uniforms and
other articles like winter clothing, blankets and shoes
are sometimes substandard and often in short supply.
Good food, clothing and living conditions are the
hygiene factors; the availability may not lead to
excellence but their absence or poor, quality can
definitely lead to problems. This is not in fact, a very
desirable situation. The focus of attention has to be
the Jawan, who forms the bulk of the force. In order
to win the trust and loyalty of the force, it's the primary
duty of the officers to ensure the basic necessities
for the jawans before their own comforts. Only the
higher echelons can solve problems such as
infrastructure. An army cannot march on empty
stomach; similarly, a force of excellence cannot be
created if even proper food, shelter and clothing
cannot be ensured.
Pressure to Perform -Zero Error Syndrome
This issue affects all the ranks significantly, however,
the Officers (70%) feel more pressurized than ORs
(62%) and SOs (56%). Analysis of inputs also shows
that it is not perceived in the same way by everyone.
Some do not consider this as a problem, and say
that the seniors have a right to expect good
performance, while some (especially Officers)
believe that due to shortage of officers, they feel
pressurized.
The issue needs to be seen in perspective. The
senior officers will always be perceived as putting
pressure for good performance and most people
have no problem; however, it becomes a problem
when the leadership expects performance but does
not provide basic facilities and there is lack of trust
and openness. Another issue which came out
strongly was the 'Zero Error' syndrome which
plagues the force. Human beings will never be
perfect and mistakes will be made. There is a
pervasive feeling that even bona fide mistakes are
treated unduly harshly and about 50% respondents
reported having stress because of the 'Zero Error'
mentality amongst the leadership. This is perceived
as unreasonable and unfair and causes stress.
Not Getting Help From Civil Authorities
This question elicited one of the strongest reactions.
An overwhelming majority perceives that the civil
authorities are not helpful (69%). Many see them as
insensitive, indifferent and corrupt. This feeling is
across the board for all ranks, notably higher for
Officers (75%).
As the Jawans and officers are mostly staying away
from their families, they are at a disadvantage in
case of any problem. They are not physically present
to pursue the matter. They can only request the
Commanding Officer of the unit for intervention, who
can at best write or talk to the civil authorities.
Generally, it does not help and their requests are
dealt with in a routine manner. The Jawans feel
cheated and betrayed as they are protecting the
country but nobody bothers for protection of their
families. There is a lot of demand for creating
institutional mechanisms to take care of their family
related issues. The army has a district level presence
which can take up issues and pursue them. No such
infrastructure exists for the BSF.
Manhandling & Abusive Behaviour
The question Is there any manhandling of the troops
by seniors? has led to startling responses. Overall
60% of respondents have denied this, but a look at
the responses of the ORs tells a very different story.
There is a clear divide; while the majority of the ORs
(54%) felt that there was manhandling of the troops,
overwhelming majority of Officers (87%) and SOs
(68%) felt that this was not the case.
Are the Jawans lying or the Officers have something
to hide? There is a clear difference of perception here;
maybe the Officers and SOs do not consider certain
behaviour patterns as abusive. Many of the ORs
have mentioned that the officers and SOs often use
abusive language and show little concern for their
self respect. Comments like "We are treated worse
than animals, or we are treated like machines" were
not uncommon. It may be possible that the Officers
and SOs are not sensitized enough to pay heed to
their concerns. This is a controversial area; and there
is a clear divide in the force on this issue.
As in most cases, the truth may be somewhere in
the middle, but even that is a very disconcerting
situation. The fact that many of the ORs felt that
there is manhandling is by itself an issue of concern
as the perception of denial by the higher authorities
will further widen the gulf between the jawans and
the Officers. There may not be much physical abuse,
although it cannot be denied; the verbal abuse itself
is totally unwarranted and highly damaging. An
already overworked and sleep deprived force, has
enough problems as it is and tendency to use bad
language just makes things worse. It may just be
the difference between a Jawan retaining his sanity
or going over the edge.
Underpaid - Overworked
Another issue which rankles with them is that while
they work much harder than their Army counterparts,
the facilities provided are nowhere comparable. This
is a sore point and comes out very prominently in
the study. There is high dissatisfaction with Pay
commission as it has not given them any special
pay on the lines of Military special pay. In many
locations both the BSF and the army work side by
side, in same conditions but BSF jawans get
substantially less. The same goes for the SOs and
the officers. Whereas the Army has cantonments
and much better facilities and living conditions, the
BSF jawans and officers have comparatively poor
facilities.
Separation from Family
One of the peculiar service conditions in BSF is that
for the most part, the jawans are staying separately
from their families. Even in the Army, field and family
postings are rotated. However in the BSF, there is no
such family posting. He is located physically at BOPs
where families are not allowed. Very few jawans
are able to get postings to HQ locations, that too for
a very limited time (maximum 5 years in a career
spanning 35+ years).
While this is largely true of the Jawans, the other
two ranks, i.e. SOs and Officers are also similarly
placed, by and large. For a major part of their career
they also stay away from their families. Many a
time even if they are posted in the unit HQ, the
locations are so remote that bringing the family
means sacrificing good education for children, and
many are forced to stay alone on this account. Unlike
Army cantonments, there are very few central
locations where the families can be left behind and
good schooling & accommodation is available.
This separation is felt very acutely by the force. It is
a constant source of worry and tension. The human
needs for physical intimacy and companionship is
denied to them. There are also strict rules about
interaction with outsiders and often there is no one
to interact with, outside the force. This is an unhealthy
and unnatural situation to be in. Higher stress levels
are the natural outcome. ORs are the worst affected,
followed by SOs and then officers.
Other Family Related Stressors
There are many other issues related to the family
which act as a stressor. In a sense, many of these
issues are related to the nature of the job and their
not being able to stay with their families. Many of
the respondents have mentioned issues which
broadly can be classified under this category. These
include issues such as:
Marital Discord
Illness of Family Member
Education and Upbringing of Children
Family Welfare
Leadership Issues
Many have reported that the leadership provided is
ambiguous. They are not really clear about what
they are supposed to do and what is expected of
them. They also feel that they will not be protected
even in case of a bona fide mistake. They strongly
feel that the superiors are basically interested in
saving their own skin in case of any problem and
are not considerate about the problems of the force.
Many of these issues have also surfaced during
earlier discussion relating to grievance redress,
inadequate facilities and also are reflected in the
perceived inapproachability of the seniors. All these
issues bring out clearly that the leadership is not up
to the mark and this failure adds to their stress.
Lack of Personal Growth
In BSF the jawans & officers largely feel that they
have no opportunity for growth. The job content does
not have much variety and is not inherently satisfying
and challenging. The work is extremely hard,
monotonous and carries little social recognition and
reward. Promotions take a long time and there is a
lot of stagnation. In the job itself, there is very little
time or opportunity for pursuing personal goals. The
workload and the locations prevent any chance of
doing something new and interesting. There is no
infrastructure and little encouragement for pursuing
any goals except the immediate task.
Recommendations for Management of
Stress
During the study, the respondents were also asked
to give their views regarding what can be done to
improve the stress situation. Much of what follows
is a result of the inputs received, although many of
the recommendations have also originated from the
extensive research in this field and analysis of data
from this study.
Acknowledge the Problem and Get Out of Denial
Mode
No problem can be solved unless it is accepted.
However, there is still a mindset prevalent among
many, which seeks to put the blame of every problem
largely on the individual concerned. Many ask the
question as to why one jawan commits suicide when
others in the same situation do not. The obvious
implication is that stress is an individual problem
and maybe indicative of a "Weak" personality. This
mindset betrays not only ignorance but also
insensitivity and is largely responsible for a
breakdown of trust and communication between the
force and its leaders. Another issue, which hinders
acknowledgement of the problem, is that sometimes
the Unit Heads feel that accepting the problem will
be treated as an admission of failure and will
adversely reflect on their career. They go into denial
mode and wash their hands off by blaming the
individual. The blame for every suicide is
immediately put on "family reasons", conveniently
forgetting that work conditions may be creating those
so-called "family reasons". Unless the disease is
diagnosed properly, any attempts at treatment will
be ineffective; rather it will make the condition worse.
The need therefore is to educate the leaders
(especially Bn commandant & coy commanders) to
have an open mind and empathetic outlook.
Stress Management Training for COs & Coy
Commanders
The Bn Commandant and the Coy Commanders are
the key functionaries and they are also liable to have
high stress, leading to higher stress in the troops.
An immediate and effective measure can be giving
training to these two ranks first and looking at the
results. These training programs can be customized
and provided initially at the Force HQ and
subsequently at Frontier levels also.
Stress Management Cell at FHQ
Stress is a complex and stubborn problem, which
develops over a period of time and can not be solved
in a short period. In BSF, so far the efforts for Stress
Management have often been adhoc, sporadic and
generally not carried to their logical conclusions. In
different Battalions and Frontiers, at different times,
trainings have been conducted on Yoga, Art of Living,
and Meditation etc. These are laudable efforts and
should be commended, but in absence of a clear
policy and guidelines the efforts lose steam. There
has to be a clear, consistent and long-term policy to
counter the menace of stress. This is possible only
if we have a clear understanding of the problem.
Stress Awareness & Coping Strategies for Top
Leadership
Stress is felt by all of us. However, many a times
there is a tendency in the top leadership to ignore
their own stress, which has a cascading effect and
creates fur ther problems for the force. The top
leadership provides clarity of vision and calmness
in the times of crisis and this is not possible unless
they are relaxed and calm. As suggested earlier,
workshops for the levels of DIG & above can be held
at Frontier, ADG HQs and FHQ levels and can be
combined with EI awareness training.
Assessment of Stress Levels in Force
The study shows that the overall levels of stress are
quite high in the force. Due to individual differences,
ability to cope with stress is different in different
people. Some people are more prone to break down
under stress than others. It is important to identify
people who are on the threshold of breaking down
so that immediate help can be provided to them.
Although this fact is well known, there have not been
any scientifically conducted studies to actually
measure the stress levels. This study itself is just a
beginning, touching the tip of the iceberg. To
accurately measure the stress levels, custom made
tests are required which incorporate the factors
peculiar to the force. This is essential to have
scientific data to formulate long-term strategies. In
this regard, an assessment tool has to be prepared
which is suitable to their educational backgrounds
and which is easier to administer in a large force
like BSF on periodic basis.
Appoint Counsellors & Psychiatrists in the Force
The present numbers of psychiatric cases are not a
true reflection of the ground realities. These cases
only reflect the persons who have broken down, but
there are a large number of persons who are suffering
badly and may be leading towards a breakdown
ultimately. There is an urgent requirement of
providing trained counsellors and psychologist/
psychiatrists who can handle the issues in a
professional manner. Initially, a counsellor can be
provided at Sector level, but the aim should be to
have one trained counsellor for each battalion and a
psychologist / psychiatrist at the Frontier levels.
Psychological Assessment at Time of Recruitment
Prevention is better than cure. Psychological
assessment should be a must at the time of
recruitment so as to recognize people who have the
ability and motivation to do this type of work. By
doing so, the people who are more liable to break
down under stress can be identified at very early
stages and only the suitable people can be recruited.
A psychologist may be involved during recruitment
or at least some kind of psychological assessment
should be made. This will save a lot of trouble
later on.
Start a Help line
There is a lot of research which shows that a person
under stress will feel better, if he is able to talk freely
to someone. One of the biggest problems for the
force is isolation and separation from family. Under
normal circumstances, the family members and
friends are the shoulders one can cry on. The study
also shows that the Jawans are not able to talk to
their seniors freely. Many of them just let their
feelings fester and this is not healthy and leads to
serious ailments like Depression, Anxiety, etc. Many
also do not speak freely to their colleagues as they
feel it may be treated as a sign of weakness. The
overwhelming majority of suicide cases are of
Jawans, and any help which can be provided to them
to vent out their grievances and feelings will go a
long way in bringing down the stress levels from the
critical, dangerous levels. A toll free number can be
provided where some professionally trained persons
can handle any SOS calls. This will provide the
Jawans an outlet and also anonymity, so that they
can express their problems and voice grievances
freely.
Ensure Adequate Rests and Sleep
This is by far the single most important factor
mentioned by the respondents. More than 70% of
the respondents report not getting adequate rest and
sleep and the number is even larger for the ORs. As
mentioned earlier, many report getting as little as 4
hours of sleep on a regular basis. Such physical
exhaustion and sleep deprivation leads to chronic
stress and affects performance badly. It is no doubt
a challenge to meet the situation which is fast
reaching a critical stage. The efforts made in this
respect are clearly not sufficient. While there is no
magic wand, accepting this situation is not an option.
The problem though complex is not beyond solution
if honest efforts are made.
Leave Rationalization
Next to the rest/sleep issue, leave is rated very highly
by the respondents as a cause of stress. There are
many issues mixed here, it is not just the amount of
leave but the fact that it is not granted when required.
It is obviously not possible to satisfy all, but the
dissatisfaction levels are very high. Further there is
a widely held perception that the system is not
implemented fairly and favouritism is rife. Some get
it as and when they want it and others don't, even
when the need is urgent.
It has been suggested that leave may be planned in
such a fashion that a Jawan is able to go every 3-4
months. This may not be feasible always; it may be
practised wherever possible. Regarding Railway
reservations, there can be an institutional
arrangement worked out with the Railways in the
areas where BSF is in large strength to provide
necessary help. Liaison officers maybe nominated,
by both Railways and BSF, at FHQ and Frontiers.
Allow Families to Stay at or Near Posts
Separation from the family is a major stressor and if
the family can be allowed to stay close by, it will be
of great help. This was earlier practised in the force
at cer tain places and can be allowed wherever
possible. Obviously, it is not practical in many places
as the infrastructure, climate, etc. is not suitable.
However, a blanket ban on the families staying
nearby is not helping the situation. Many a times,
the Bn. Commandants are not in favour as this adds
to their administrative work and they feel it as an
additional responsibility. The jawans can be given
an option to bring their families under clear and strict
guidelines. The long-term solution is, of course, to
build more family accommodation.
Institutionalize Liaison with Civil Authorities
As the BSF personnel are working away from home
and family, they are totally dependent on civil
authorities and not getting help causes serious
mental tension. What rankles most is that they do
not get any preference or special attention from the
civil authorities. They often feel disadvantaged. Most
feel that some kind of platform is needed to look
after their problems and some institutional
arrangement needs to be made at state and district
level. A working committee at the state level can be
constituted and Liaison officers can be appointed at
the district and state level to provide a single window
system for grievance redress for all paramilitary
forces, as this is a common problem. The local police
and municipal offices can also be co-opted.
Get Rid of Zero Error Syndrome
Almost half of the respondents mentioned that they
are stressed out due to the constant fear that even a
genuine error will be treated as negligence and they
will be punished. There is no job where mistakes
are not made and human beings will sometimes
make mistakes, but living in constant fear of this
does not bring out the best, rather it brings a no risk-
no initiative approach. Everyone is constantly
covering his backside. Many mentioned that the
seniors are always ready to suspect them and there
is no trust. They will believe outsiders and rumours
rather than the Jawans. Constant suspicion and fear
does not augur well for the organisation. A more
calibrated 'Trust but Verify' approach is required to
get the best out of the force.
Curb Bad Behaviour and Abusive language
This is an issue which is strongly felt by the ORs,
but interestingly most of the Officers do not even
acknowledge it as an issue. There is a dangerous
divide which should not be ignored. Many ORs have
responded that the seniors are often unduly harsh,
abusive and sometimes even sadistic. While they
do not expect all their grievances to be addressed
by the superiors, they are often hurt by the approach
of the seniors who treat their grievances as
complaining, whining and attempts to avoid work.
Some mentioned that even when they were seriously
sick, they were called 'Makkars'. It hurts their self
esteem. Abusive language creates avoidable tension
whereas a few kind words can relieve the pain even
if it does not solve the problem. There is no reason
why such behaviour should be tolerated. Clear
instructions and strict implementation against
abusive language and manhandling are required.
Less Courses and More Opportunity for Self
Development
Many officers feel that there are too many courses
and the usefulness of many is questionable. There
is very little time for self development and grooming
of officers is practically nonexistent. It is a widely
held perception even in the ORs that many of the
courses do not lead to any value addition.
In most organizations, new training inputs and
courses are constantly added to keep pace with
changing scenarios, but it is equally important to
weed out the old and redundant inputs. However, it
hardly happens and as a result there is overload. In
the process, really important inputs are smothered
under the weight of multiple courses. A thorough
Training Needs Analysis (TNA) is needed to ensure
optimum inputs only.
An Institutional Feedback System
Any learning and caring organization should always
keep its eyes and ears open to feedback. However,
there is no systematic feedback system in BSF
leading to anonymous petitions, backbiting and
pervasive lack of trust. The Darbars or grievance
redress mechanisms are ineffective, as many would
not like to complain in person for the fear of being
identified. A periodic written feedback system is
required to be institutionalized. It will curb a lot of
arbitrariness and ensure fairness. The top leadership
will be in a position to know the ground realities
better.
Summary
The reality may or may not be as per the responses,
but the perception remains and stress is largely
dependent on the perception. There is increasing
use of alcohol and tobacco in the force, which is
often an attempt to get away from the painful reality.
A large number of personnel want to leave the job.
Many respondents also mentioned that they are
continuing only because of lack of alternatives and
due to economic compulsions. Under such
circumstances, the operational efficiency is bound
to suffer. It is imperative that immediate attention is
paid to this menace and well-thought out long-term
and short-term strategies are worked out. This is
necessary to ensure optimum performance of the
Force and the security of the nation demands no
less.
References
Cartwright, S., & Cooper, C.L. (1997). Managing
Workplace Stress. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage
Publications.
Cooper, C.L., & Marshall, J. (1978). Sources of
managerial and white collar stress. In C. L. Cooper
& R. Payne (Eds.), Stress at Work. (pp. 81-105).
Chichester: John Wiley & Sons.
Downs, C.W., Driskill, G., & Wuthnow, D. (1990). A
review of instrumentation on stress. Management
Communication Quarterly, 4, 100-126.
Edwards, J.R., Caplan, R.D., & Harrison, R.V. (1998).
Person-environment fit theory: Conceptual
foundations, empirical evidence, and directions for
future research. In C. L. Cooper (Ed.), Theories of
Organizational Stress. (pp. 28-52). Oxford: Oxford
University Press.
Harrison, R.V. (1978). Person-environment fir and
job stress. In C. L. Cooper & R. Payne (Eds.). Stress
at Work. New York: John Wiley & Sons.
Johnson, S., Cooper, C., Cartwright, S., Donald, I.,
Taylor, P., & Millet, C. (2005). The experience of work-
related stress across occupations. Journal of
Managerial Psychology, 20, 178-187.
Quick, J.D., Horn, R.S., & Quick, J.C. (1987). Health
consequences of stress. In J. M. Ivancevich & D. C.
Ganster (Eds.), Job stress: From theory to
suggestion. (pp. 19-36). New York: The Haworth
Press.
Published By: The Bureau of Police Research & Development, Ministry of Home Affairs,
Govt. of India, New Delhi and Printed at xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx xxxxx xxxxxxx
R. No.

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